Ettalong Beach DA: Three-storey shop top housing for Ocean View Dr

12 units, a rooftop terrace with pool and ground floor shops are proposed along the foreshore of Ettalong Beach. See the plans.

A $5.4m modern shop top housing development has been proposed along the foreshore of Ettalong Beach.

The DA for 302-306 Ocean View Drive has been submitted to Central Coast Council and is currently on public exhibition.

The proposal, by KHMS Corp Pty Limited, is for the partial demolition of the existing commercial building on the corner of Ferry Rd, demolition of the existing house and construction of a three storey shop top housing development.

The site of the proposed $5.4m modern shop top housing development.

Current site on the corner of Ferry Rd and Ocean View Drive.

The development, to be known as Anna Athina By the Sea, will include three serviced apartments, nine shop top housing units, undercroft parking for 23 vehicles, shops at ground level as well as a roof top terrace area with a pool.

The applicant says the development is compatible with the Ettalong Beach village centre and would provide a range of high quality retail and residential options as well as local employment opportunities. It also has easy access to public transport.

Artists impression of the development.

The development exceeds floor space ratios requirements along with the residential height limit by 920mm, however the applicant says the variations are acceptable due to the quality of the development and the opportunities it will bring to Ettalong Beach.

Objections to the DA have raised issues such as the impact on surrounding properties due to the entry proposed on Ferry Rd which becomes busy when the ferry arrives.

“Improving car park management in Ferry Road would enhance the development and ensure safe access for cars and pedestrians,” one submission read.

The applicant says the high quality development would improve the village centre.

Other concerns include the bulk and scale of the development and height limits.

The DA comes after a nearby six-storey development at 227-233 Ocean View Rd was refused by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel back in February due to the DA exceeding the limits by more than 2m. The application has since returned to council with calls for a review into the panel’s decision.

It also follows a council planning proposal to lift the maximum building heights for the old Ettalong Beach Motel and other properties from 43-46 The Esplanade from 11.5m, or about three storeys, to 17m or about five storeys.

The DA for 302-306 Ocean View Dr is on exhibition until August 13.