Terrigal boarding house DA approved by the local planning panel

A decision has been made on the scaled-down boarding house DA proposed at a major intersection in Terrigal.

Artists impression of a boarding house proposed in Terrigal.

The proposed boarding house on a major intersection of Terrigal Dr has been unanimously approved.

The DA for 59 Terrigal Dr, which was reduced from nine to seven bedrooms, has been given the green light by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel.

The panel indicated that the DA, valued at $634,000, be approved due to complying with local planning controls and the State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) guidelines as well as not having adverse affects to the local community,

Conditions of approval included providing additional native trees along the side and rear setbacks of the building as well as 24/7 contact details for the manager in case of complaints or concerns.

The boarding house proposal was initially lodged back in July 2020 with nine bedrooms however was scaled back due to strong community opposition as well as council feedback.

The site of the proposed boarding house on Terrigal Dr.

Amended plans include demolition of the existing house to make way for a single storey boarding house with seven bedrooms, indoor and outdoor common areas, four carparking spaces and a 6m wide driveway with access via Terrigal Dr.

The proposed site is at the major intersection of Charles Kay Dr, close to Brunswick Rd as well as Terrigal High School and Duffys Oval.

The application received 64 objections during its first exhibition period and 15 during the second period. Major concerns included the development being out of character, lack of on-street parking, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion on Terrigal Dr and there being no on-site manager to deal directly with complaints.

Artists impression of the rooms.

Boarding house proposed at 59 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal

An on-site manager is required for boarding houses with a minimum of 20 lodgers.

Transport for NSW was supportive of the amended DA, however with conditions around the 6m wide driveway crossover. They also asked council to have consideration for the safety of pedestrians at the driveway crossover due to the high volume of people in the area.

The council report concluded that the DA is in the public interest as it will not impact the amenity of surrounding neighbours and provided affordable housing near public transport.

Access to the house will be off Terrigal Drive.

The applicant has also submitted a plan of management for the boarding house which stated the maximum amount of lodgers is 11. It states the house will not be used for short stay accommodation such as hostels and residents and a boarding house manager will be appointed. They will not stay at the site, however will be contactable.

Rent will be a 20 per cent discount of the market rent for a similar sized unit/apartment in the Terrigal area.