Beach Rd, Batemans Bay apartment project approved by Eurobodalla Council

A luxury apartment complex set to replace an asbestos-ridden crumbling cesspit has been approved for a South Coast town, despite concerns of a “significant” height limit increase.

Artist impression of the now approved apartments. Picture: Supplied

A block of decrepit, asbestos-ridden homes on the NSW South Coast is set to be transformed into a luxury apartment complex, after a regional council approved the multimillion-dollar project – despite a heated building height debate.

Eurobodalla Council approved the $31m, six-storey, 52-unit development on Beach Rd and Golf Links Dr, Batemans Bay, during their monthly ordinary meeting on Tuesday.

The complex, set to replace three abandoned dwellings, exceeds the town’s height limit by 37.6 per cent – according to council papers – with two councillors voting against its construction as a result.

Eurobodalla councillor, Anthony Mayne, voted no, criticising the project’s developers, Galaxy Homes.

“We have height limits for a reason,” he said on Tuesday.

Eurobodalla councillor Anthony Mayne voted against the construction. Pictures: Supplied

“Developers know this, but we always seem to let them exceed it.”

The development was originally submitted in 2023 as a seven-storey structure with 62 units, but was rejected by council, prompting Sydney-based Galaxy Homes to revise its plans, reducing the height and unit numbers.

The development will replace abandoned, asbestos ridden homes. Picture: Tom McGann

Eurobodalla Council planning and environment director, Gary Bruce, said the changes brought the project in line with other existing developments in the area, like The Ohana.

However, Mr Mayne said this was not enough.

“A 37.6 per cent variation is not a small increase; this exceeds it significantly,” he said.

“This council is saying that it’s okay for any developer to come in and do what they want with heights and ignore our limits.”

The building was redesigned to be a similar height to 'The Ohana'. Picture: Tom McGann

Mr Bruce defended the decision, citing a need for more housing in the coastal tourism hub.

“We need more dwellings for people moving into this area,” he said.

Council voted in favour of constructing the 52 unit residential complex, seven for and two against.

Along with the units ranging from one to four bedrooms, the apartment block built of two separate buildings will also see 102 space basement parking, an infinity edge pool, gym and a sauna.

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