Ettalong Beach: $10m shop top housing plans for Ocean View Rd rejected again

It was rejected once and now a final decision on a six storey shop top housing development in Ettalong Beach has been made.

Plans for a $9.9m shop top housing development in Ettalong Beach have been stamped out.

The DA for 227-233 Ocean View Rd has now been rejected twice with the Central Coast Local Planning Panel handing down its final decision.

The plans came to the panel after attracted 79 objections and while Central Coast Council recommended approving the six storey development, the panel unanimously disagreed indicating that the proposed height of 19.4m was a concern.

“The proposed development is not consistent with the objectives of the height of buildings development standard,” the panel decision stated.

Artists impression of the plans.

The panel also stated that the plans did not suit the local centre zoning, offering only a small amount of commercial space, and would isolate and ruin planning potential for the site at 235 Ocean View Rd.

“The proposed development provides poor amenity for future residents and visitors, and would have adverse impacts on the neighbouring low density residential properties,” the panel stated.

“The proposal is not in the public interest.”

Earlier, December 14

The plans for 227-233 Ocean View Rd are coming back to the Central Coast Local Planning Panel on December 16 for review.

The proposal for a six-storey development was refused by the panel earlier this year due to height concerns.

The plans have also attracted more than 70 submissions regarding not only the height and traffic concerns but the proposal being out of character for the area and “sticking out like a sore thumb”.

Artists impression of the plans which include 25 units.

“The proposed development provides poor amenity for future residents and visitors, and would

have adverse impacts on the neighbouring low density residential properties,” the panel stated in its refusal in February.

Developers Jedaclew Pty Ltd have called for the review and while the plans have not changed, new information has been submitted including an updated statement of environmental effects, solar study, valuation report and a letter of opinion from a real estate agent.

Plans include basement and ground level parking for 37 cars, ground floor commercial premises, along with five levels containing 25 residential units.

The plans are in the heart of Ettalong.

Central Coast Council has recommended approval of the development despite it being outside the height limit of 17m for the local area.

The proposed maximum height of the development is 19.4m.

The applicant states that the height is “considered a better planning outcome” and that compliance with height rules were unreasonable for this type of development.

“It is the eastern end of the site that represents the ‘Gateway’ entry to the Ettalong Town Centre from the east and a poor planning and urban design outcome would occur if the building was reduced from 6 to 5 storeys purely to comply with the numerical 17m building height standard at this visually prominent site,” the applicant states.

Artists impression reveals the height limit in red compared to the plans.

“The height breach does not result in adverse amenity impacts to neighbouring sites.”

Council states that the proposal will generate employment, would not have adverse impacts on surrounding properties and was in the public interest.

In its original recommendation for approval, council stated “there are a number of similar developments in the area and the area is going through transition to higher density development in accordance with the zone objectives”.

The plans included demolition of the former general store and butcher built back in the 1920s.