Woy Woy: Apartments on corner of Blackwall and Farnell roads comes to local planning panel

A decision has been made on the apartment plans for the corner of Blackwall and Farnell roads in Woy Woy.

Apartment plans for a busy intersection in Woy Woy have been rejected.

The Central Coast Local Planning Panel has handed down its decision to refuse the $5.5m proposal on the corner of Blackwall Rd and Farnell Rd.

The decision comes on the back of the refusal of shop top housing along the Ettalong foreshore.

The Woy Woy plans came to the panel due to the number of objections for construction of the two storey development with 18 apartments.

In its decision, the panel stated the refusal was due to the plans exceeding floor space ratio guidelines and lack of information around how the development would work in with the planned intersection upgrade by Transport for NSW (TfNSW). There were also concerns around parking, communal open space, landscaping, preservation of trees and waste management.

At the panel meeting on October 28, local resident Frank Wiffen spoke against the plans, saying this was the second attempt for development of the site.

The site of the $5.5m DA for 18 apartments on the corner of Farnell and Blackwall roads.

“As residents of the peninsula we are not against development per se,” he told the panel.

“In fact many of us believe developments such as these where multiple properties are consolidated is infinitely preferable to the rash of gun barrel developments that we’ve been experiencing on the peninsula.

“The inherent savings in space should be used in a constructive manner to increase liveability not as an excuse to cram in more dwellings.”

He said this plan falls into the category, with 18 apartments proposed over five properties.

The proposal, lodged by Apex Smarthomes Pty Limited, included demolition of the existing five houses on the site to make way for the development which includes the 18 apartments spread across two buildings.

The DA is for 18 apartments spread across two buildings.

There would be 15 three-bedroom units along with three four-bedroom units and 31 car spaces with access from Farnell Rd.

The applicant did not address the panel meeting however stated in its proposal that “the proposed two storey multi-dwelling housing development will have some effect on the local environment as will any medium density or multi-unit development project”.

“However, the effect will be offset by the provision of a high-quality residential facility that will provide substantial benefits to the local community,” the report read.

The applicant also stated that the plans complied with the residential zoning of the area and would have positive socio-economic benefits for the local community including employment opportunities and increased economic activity and services.

Artists impression of the development.

Central Coast Council has recommended the development be refused.

Central Coast Council also recommended refusal of the plans due to exceeding floor space ratio guidelines and issues with the design along with access, parking and waste management.

TfNSW is also planning an upgrade of the intersection at corner of Blackwall and Farnell roads which would impact the development.

“It is noted that extent of the proposed road widening boundary proposed by TfNSW would result in a change to the building setbacks to the resultant road reserve boundary/boundaries,” the council’s report stated.

“The development would require redesign to address this proposed intersection and achieve compliant setbacks.”

While council indicates the proposal meets housing needs for the Woy Woy area and would be in character with the area, it states the applicant has also not addressed impacts or “best practice” design.

The DA received 17 objections including traffic and overdevelopment concerns along with

insufficient parking and a lack of open space.