A plan to build two double-storey unit blocks on a large flood-prone block between homes in Corrimal and Tarrawanna has alarmed neighbouring residents, who say the proposal will change the character of their quiet suburban streets.
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The plans, lodged on behalf of Wollongong-based developer Semaan Pty Ltd, have proposed two double-storey blocks, both with basement parking, as well as a smaller two-storey residence fronting 39 Angel Street, Corrimal.
“We’re worried that if this type of development is allowed to go through, it could open the floodgates for this to happen in open space all over the place.”
The unit block closest to Angel Street would have 12 units, while another backing on to Tarrawanna’s Henry and Williamson Streets would have 16 units.
Access to the units would be via a private road off Angel Street, which will have to cross two creeks which flow into the Towradgi Creek system, according to the plans.
Tarrawarra resident Michelle Morton said she was “absolutely horrified” to see that the 16-unit block would be built six metres from her back fence, on a block which has been open paddock since her family moved there in 1998.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is totally out of the character of our area,” Ms Morton said.
“They’re saying it’s low density, but I can’t see how something is low density when there’s 28 units and underground parking.”
“Why do these suburbs have to be filled in – we, and our neighbours, love this area because of the quiet.”
“We’re worried that if this type of development is allowed to go through, it could open the floodgates for this to happen in open space all over the place.”
She said she was also worried about adding extra traffic to an “already straining” Angel Street, and said the land had flooded during the 1998 floods.
“We didn’t think that nothing would ever be built there, but we’ve always been told it was a flood zone so there would be no major development allowed,” Ms Morton said.
Developers have included a detailed flood study with their application, which says the access road would remain unaffected by a “one in 100-year” flood event.
It concludes that the proposed access roads and bridges will “have no adverse impact on other neighbouring properties”.
In their plans, developers said the unit block are “low scale” and “provide a suitable solution to provide residential accommodation on the highly constrained site”.
“The residential flat buildings will not be immediately visible from the street frontage and will be well separated from existing and proposed future residential development to the north and west,” the plans said.
The plans are open for comment until October 20.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
