Place Studios owner James Alexander-Hatzliplis modifies approved Batemans Bay apartments

A Sydney developer’s enormous $34m plans for a multi-level apartment complex on the NSW South Coast have faced a last-minute change, just weeks after the proposal was approved.

Modified $34m apartment plans for 20 Heradale Pde, Batemans Bay. Picture: Supplied

A Sydney-based developer who believes a growing NSW South Coast tourism powerhouse could become a “mini Double Bay” has drastically modified plans for an enormous apartment complex, despite recently gaining government approval.

Sydney-based developer and Place Studios owner James Alexander-Hatzliplis’ $34m apartment plans for 20 Heradale Pde were approved by Eurobodalla Council in February this year, after more than two years of discussions and community submissions.

However, despite finally gaining approval, Mr Alexander-Hatzliplis plans have returned to Eurobodalla Council with substantial altercations.

The approved development plans would have seen a five-storey apartment building erected, with 60 residential units.

However, modified plans have increased the residential units by two and drastically changed the exterior aesthetic.

Place Studios owner James Alexander-Hatziplis. Picture: Supplied

Other modifications include changing carparking from underground to ground level, repositioning communal amenities and a new communal roof terrace.

Planning documents state the proposed modifications would result in larger living quarters.

Original, approved plans for 20 Heradale Pde, Batemans Bay. Picture: Supplied

“The proposed apartment mix sees a reduction in three and four bedroom units to provide a higher rate of large floor area for two bedroom units throughout the development,” planning documents read.

“Three of the additional two bedroom units provided to the development have also been redesigned to achieve the requirements of the NDIS ‘High Physical Support’.

“The amendment of apartment mix and provision of NDIS HPS units has been made in response to emerging patterns of local needs.”

Mr Alexander-Hatzliplis previously told this publication of Batemans Bay’s need for apartments, such as his now reproposed plans.

“It’s a key project and an opportunity for Batemans Bay to see large, family-centric dwellings and also provide relief to a pressured housing supply,” he said.

“The project will represent a new benchmark for multi-dwelling housing in Batemans Bay, with generous layouts, carefully incorporated landscaping, and functional residential amenities making it an ideal location to live, support a family, and retire.”

The modified plans also come after Mr Alexander-Hatzliplis said Batemans Bay could become a “mini Double Bay”.

Mr Alexander-Hatzliplis’ modified plans will remain on public exhibition until July 15.

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Originally published as Place Studios owner James Alexander-Hatzliplis modifies approved Batemans Bay apartments