Batemans Bay: Redesigned plans for approved six-storey apartment

A recently approved apartment building pinned for the heart of the Batemans Bay CBD has returned to council after the developers behind the plans revealed a redesign.

The apartment has been significantly redesigned.

Six-storey apartment plans set for the heart of a coastal CBD have been redesigned and resubmitted to a regional council, despite its recent approval.

The $11.9m plans for 1A Bent St, Batemans Bay – situated next to the Village Centre shopping mall – was approved by the Eurobodalla Council in October last year.

Now, development firm Progressive Projects Solution, headed by former Eurobodalla mayor Neil Mumme, has re submitted the application with adjustments to the building’s design.

Construction on the 29 unit apartment was set to begin in April and last 12 to 18 months, according to Mr Mumme, who previously told this publication he was “thrilled” by the council result.

However, Mr Mumme said on Wednesday that his firm decided to make the changes after the approval, halting construction.

Former Eurobodalla Shire Mayor, Neil Mumme.

He said the changes included modifications to balcony balustrades, building access and exterior redesigns.

“We’re not expecting these changes to be an issue,” Mr Mumme said.

The apartment complex has been proposed for 1A Bent St.

“The changes are only minor.”

However, the Eurobodalla Council development application portal describes the modifications as “major”, with artist impressions showcasing the proposed changes as significantly different to the initial application.

If approved, the six-storey, 29 unit building will sit in the heart of the Batemans Bay CBD.

The apartment will also help address the housing shortage crisis across the south coast, however Eurobodalla Councillor Anthony Mayne – who was the sole vote against the original proposal – said there were better ways to increase housing in the region without constructing apartment buildings.

The original building's design (left) compared to the redesign (right).

Mr Mayne said he voted against the proposal as it exceeded Batemans Bay height limits by seven metres.

“This just sets a bad precedent for the town,” he said.

Mr Mumme disagreed, noting everyone had the right to vary height limits.

“If you propose to build a home and you want it to be a little taller than the area allows, you have the right to make that variation and it is up to council to approve it or not,” he said.

“We worked with council for 18 months altering the design, tweaking things and negotiating with them until all planners were happy with this beautiful design.

The apartment's original design.

“That’s why it was approved – because we worked with them and didn’t do things we weren’t allowed to do.”

Eurobodalla Council will vote on the building’s modifications later this year.

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