A nine-storey Harbour Street apartment block has been recommended for approval, despite some residents' concerns the planned building is too tall, out of character with the area and will increase traffic and stormwater pressures.
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The 23-unit complex is proposed to replace the Harbour Street tennis courts and adjoining house across the road from St Francis Xavier Cathedral.
It would have six two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom units and one four-bedroom apartment. There would also be basement parking for 31 cars.
Wollongong City Council received eight objections and one letter of support for the development.
Four of the objecting residents raised concerns about stormwater and drainage on the site, saying there was an existing stormwater runoff problem in the nearby cul-de-sac Parkside Avenue.
But council staff said the planned development included a stormwater detention system, meaning it would not exacerbate the existing problem.
Other residents pointed out the proposed building would be nearly twice as high as the tallest existing building, saying it should be limited to five storeys as it was "out of character" with the surrounding area.
However, the council said Harbour Street was "an area of transition" and said the proposed building height of 31.3 metres was below the limit of 32 metres.
"[While] the development is significantly larger than adjoining developments and some others in the locality, the bulk and scale of the development is consistent with the applicable planning controls for the area," the staff report said.
The council recommended the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel grant approval subject to construction conditions.