Court signs off on Artarmon boarding home after objections from homeowners
The north shore’s boarding home boom is set to continue with the Land and Environment Court approving a $2.9 million development in Artarmon’s town centre.
North Shore
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The north shore’s boarding home boom is set to continue with a $2.9 million development given the green light in Artarmon.
The Land and Environment Court has approved the demolition of a two storey home to make way for the four-storey building at 19 Hampden Rd, opposite Cleland Park.
The plans were approved after Willoughby Council knocked back the project last year due to concerns including traffic congestion and impacts on privacy.
A total of 50 residents lodged submissions with many objecting to the 12.8m height of the building and potential “over development” of the site.
The strata body of 1 Cleland St submitted four parking spaces were “totally inadequate” for the project — describing it as “making a mockery of council’s parking policy”.
The plans, however, stated the development was located near public transport and would meet the region’s housing needs by providing affordable accommodation for key workers.
In a court conference with the council, the applicant of the project agreed to redesign the building to “address privacy and traffic impacts”.
Final plans show the building will have 16 rooms — down from 19 rooms outlined in the original plans.
The court said it was “satisfied” the project was in line with State Government planning laws aimed at encouraging affordable housing developments.
Court commissioner Susan Dixon said the applicant would have to meet 107 conditions, including limiting construction works to 7am to 5pm on weekdays and no later than midday on Saturdays.
The approval comes amid a rise in boarding home proposals across the north shore, sparking opposition from some councils.
In a motion to last month’s Lane Cove Council meeting, Mayor Pam Palmer questioned the affordability of boarding homes under maximum tariffs charged to occupants set by Revenue NSW.
“If they fall under this tariff the (owners of boarding homes) are exempt from paying land tax. If they charge above this threshold, they are required to pay land tax,” she said.
“Therefore, there is no constraint on the rent that can be charged for a boarding room.”
The North Shore Times contacted the owner of 19 Hampden Rd for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.