PRD Architects submitted plans to build a nine-storey building which will include eight-storeys of 95 rooms and ground floor commercial suites at 9 Crown Lane. 

The Wollongong Local Planning Panel met on Wednesday night to discuss the proposal.

Panel members approved the application with conditions.

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One of the major concerns the panel had was the type of building material planned for the facade.

The proposed material, sandwich panel, has been reported as potentially flammable in other areas of Australia.

“The panel believe that it would be prudent to investigate alternative cladding if it cannot be demonstrated that the proposed cladding is safe and compliant,” the determination report said.

The panel was also concerned the building did not have enough “amenable and beautiful open space”.

The panel believe the concerns can be addressed and mitigated.

“The proposal address the matter raised by the Design Review Panel and council’s planning staff,” the report sad.

“The panel is satisfied that the departures from the building height and building separation clauses of Wollongong Local Environment Plan 2009 are justified and are acceptable in the circumstances.”

The building will include communal living areas on each boarding floor as well as an onsite manager’s office and ground floor reception area.

Two levels of basement parking will provide 21 spaces for boarding house residents, 95 bicycle spaces and four parking spaces for commercial suites.

Development application plans suggest university students will be the targeted tenants.

The proposal was watered down from a 10-storey, 100 bed boarding house that was discussed with council staff in September 2017. The applicant was told the proposal would not be supported because it significantly exceeded the height restrictions.