Stevens Charles Property Group partner Graeme Charles received the go-ahead for the development from Wollongong City Council’s Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP) on Friday and said he was ‘‘extremely pleased’’ with the news.

‘‘We’re now looking forward to completing what will be a great asset for the community at large,’’ he said.

He said demolition of the old hotel would likely begin in February or March, with construction starting after that.

IHAP members unanimously voted to allow the developer to split the planned tourism development into two large lots and subdivide the serviced apartment blocks using strata title after a meeting held on Tuesday.

The property group will now be able to sell the planned 69 serviced apartments to private investors, making the project financially viable.

Despite its  approval of the subdivision, the panel was scathing in its assessment of the  plans, which are based on a 10-year-old development application.

‘‘The panel supports the community view that the site is one of the most spectacular locations on the NSW coast,’’ it said.

‘‘Having regard to this, it is the panel’s view that the 2004 consent would not satisfy contemporary planning and design standards if considered as a fresh application.’’

Despite these comments and community members’ concerns, Mr Charles said his company was confident its complex would be a positive development.

‘‘I’m extremely confident the community is going to say ‘Wow’ – they are going to get an absolute beachfront resort and much needed accommodation for the northern beaches of Wollongong,’’ he said.

‘‘And we are also looking forward to delivering a family tavern and function centre to cater for locals, day trippers and holidaymakers.’’

Mr Charles said the company was in discussions with a number of operators to run the hotel.

‘‘We are in negotiations with Peppers and we would expect to conclude those negotiations by Christmas, where Peppers will be favoured as the nominated operators of the resort,’’ he said.