DA lodged for second major shop top development in Umina

The ink is hardly dry on the approval for the first major shop top housing development in Umina’s CBD when another similar proposal has been lodged for a site three blocks away.

Architects rendering of proposal for 1-3 Alfred Street and 315 West Street, Umina Beach.

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Residents have until March 7 to make submissions

The ink is hardly dry on the approval for the first major shop top housing development in Umina’s CBD when another similar proposal has been lodged for a site three blocks away.

Plans to construct a $7.5 million five storey mixed use building at 211-213 West Street with 20 units above, two shops below and basement carparking was approved by Central Coast council earlier this month.

Corner Perspective of the five storey shop top development approved earlier this month.

The new proposal is for a five storey mixed use development with 18 units in four levels above shops and basement carparking with frontages to both West and Alfred Streets, valued at $5.6 million.

Together the developments mark a continued departure from the low-rise mostly single-storey retail strip that has characterised West Street for decades.

Aerial view showing 1-3 Alfred Street and 315 West Street, Umina Beach.

The proposed development by M and G Cunico is for an unusual T shaped block which currently has a You Save Chemist facing West Street. The Horizontal part of the T shape is currently occupied by parking spaces, a Laverty Pathology lab and a single-storey house all facing to Alfred Street.

The design of the building would have single storey elements at the West Street frontage rising to five storeys at the rear. It would contain two studio units, two one bedroom units, four two bedroom units and 10 three bedroom units.

View of the existing chemist building at 315 West Street, Umina Beach.

One of the likely sticking points could be the height of the development which exceeds limits for the zoning by 14 % (just over two metres).

However, council has already set a precedent for allowing similar variations after approving the other West Street development which also exceeded the limits.