Two boarding houses proposed to bookend doctor’s surgery near Northern Beaches Hospital
TWO boarding houses have been proposed to replace single-level homes just 800 metres from Northern Beaches Hospital.
Manly
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TWO boarding houses have been proposed to replace single-level homes just 800 metres from Northern Beaches Hospital.
The two boarding houses — at 26 and 22 Frenchs Forest Rd East — are proposed to bookend a doctor’s surgery and are opposite Skyline Shops on the corner of Patanga Rd.
Both sites were previously the subject of a boarding house proposal for a 21-room complex, by developer Twinfly Investments.
Both were altered to now be 19-room two-storey developments following concerns from Northern Beaches Council.
A room in each complex would be for a live-in building manager.
“Following public notification and internal review by council officers, a letter was issued by Council identifying a number of design issues and advising that the DA was not supported in the form submitted,” a statement of environmental effects said.
“As recommended by council, the DA was withdrawn to provide opportunity for the design to be reviewed.
“The applicant and design team held two meetings with Council officers to discuss amended
design solutions.
“The current design is the culmination of this comprehensive review
process and is considered to now satisfactorily address all of the issues raised.“
The planning documents said the reduction in rooms at the boarding house reduced the bulk, height and scale.
An extra four parking spaces have been added to the plans, a private open space at the front of the complex has been removed and a rear courtyard significantly extended.
“Wall articulation, roof and window treatments have been completely revised to
ensure the design is compatible with the locality,” the report said.
“The current design is the culmination of this comprehensive review
process and is considered to now satisfactorily address all of the issues raised. In
particular.”
The plans are lodged under the state environmental planning policy (SEPP) for affordable houses, meaning they can get around the council’s planning laws.
One resident’s submission argued that the development would not suit the surrounding area, and was in violation of the residential low-rise zoning for the area.
Other concerns raised were possible anti-social activity from the proposed boarding houses and parking congestion.
The statement of environment effects justifies the need for two boarding houses within such a close proximity, saying it will be closer to employment around the new Northern Beachs Hospital, and other employment hubs.
“The site is ideally located for working singles and couples on low to moderate incomes, being within easy walking distance to several bus stops providing frequent services to the
city and major centres such as Dee Why town centre, Warringah Mall and Chatswood,” the planning documents said.
“It is also within walking distance of the Frenchs Forest Business Park and the new
Northern Beaches Hospital.
“When it opens later this year, the hospital will generate significant employment for this group. The site is opposite the Skyline local shops which cater for daily convenience needs. More extensive shopping and business services are available at Forestway shopping centre, 1.7km to the west and accessible by bus.”