Maroubra Junction block exceeds height limit

Maroubra Junction is set for another housing block — despite the development exceeding the area’s height limit. See the images of how the Maroubra Rd project will look

The block at Maroubra Junction features a communal roof garden.

• Randwick set for new shopping strip
• Church locked in development stoush

Maroubra Junction is set for another housing block — despite the development exceeding the area’s height limit.

The $27 million project for 181-191 Maroubra Rd was passed unanimously by Randwick Council this week.

It will be up to the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel to make the final decision.

The plans include the demolition of the existing buildings on the site and the construction of a part six-storey and part seven-storey development with space for nine shops and 65 residential units.

Three basement levels will have 138 parking spaces, 102 of which will be for residents of the block.

The development will have 65 units and space for nine shops.

There will also be a communal roof terrace.

Sgammotta Architects, which is behind the proposal, state the units will be split between 25 one-bed and 40 two-bed apartments.

The building exceeds the height limit for the area of 25m. However, the developer states the 27.76m height is required to “provide for equitable access to the rooftop communal open space area”.

“Furthermore, the height of the building is compatible with the surrounding built context and does not result in any additional adverse amenity impacts, beyond that of a building with a compliant height,” the developer said.

The building envelope also contravenes council limits. The seven storeys fronting Maroubra Rd is one storey over the limit as is the six storeys fronting Ferguson St. The depth of the block (25m) is also 7m deeper than permitted.

However, Randwick Council officers said the development remains “generally consistent” with regulations and “will not result in adverse amenity impacts”.

Council officers have said the development was “generally consistent’ with regulations.

“The proposed development will reinforce Maroubra Road as the primary cross street, providing a distinctive built form that will reinforce the corner while supporting the primary business function of the zone,” council officers concluded.

The developer said the proposal provides a “positive addition to both streetscapes while providing for upgraded retail space to the Maroubra Road frontage” and will provide “high quality residential apartments” for Maroubra Junction.

A date has not been set for the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel meeting.

IN OTHER NEWS