Rockdale boarding house applies for expansion
A southern Sydney boarding house could double in size if the owners’ development application is successful the second time around. READ ABOUT THE NEW PROPOSAL HERE.
St George Shire Standard
Don't miss out on the headlines from St George Shire Standard. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A southern Sydney boarding house has promised to make residents keep it down if they are permitted to double their premises in size.
Bayside Council refused an initial application to add an additional floor of five rooms to the seven-bedroom boarding house at 194 Frederick St Rockdale.
However, the owners have made a second attempt to increase the boarding house’s capacity from 10 occupants to 19.
The amended plan to add a second floor with five bedrooms for either one or two occupants each was reduced in size from their original application, which was rejected in April.
Rockdale resident Melody Smith said she obtained 200 signatures opposing the original application in April.
She received a notification about the new proposal on Friday.
Why do these people get to avoid paying land tax...for these ugly monstrosities which ruin neighbourhoods and have no regard for their neighbours,” Ms Smith said.
“I am beyond furious.”
In the original refusal Bayside Council said the proposed development “fail(ed) to satisfy the ‘character of the area’ test” as it would “not be compatible with the character of the local area”.
However, the owners submitted a management plan in their new application saying they would “instruct all residents as to the responsibility of the appropriate behaviour on the premises”.
“Management shall...ensure no undue impact is caused to the quiet enjoyment of neighbouring land uses,” the plan read.
“Residents are to be directed to enter and leave the premises in a quiet manner (and) use of balconies shall not cause any unwanted noise or disruption to the amenity of the neighbourhood.”
The amended proposal will also preserve the Victorian home’s original roof and heritage facade and fall within the 8.5m height limit.
A 2016 real estate listing for the site describes it as a full brick home with patterned high ceilings, a wide mantelpiece, polished timber floors, a communal kitchen, laundry and long driveway with off-street parking for six or seven cars.
It was bought for $1.71 million in June 2016.
“I spent huge money getting a heritage architect to put together an objection,” Ms Smith added.
“When will this rubbish end?”