A 5-townhouse development in Thirroul which was previously described by planners as an “overdevelopment” has now been recommended for approval by Wollongong City Council staff.
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It’s the latest bid – and one of the largest – from Thirroul property owners to take advantage of the boom in multiple occupancy approvals.
This plan, at 28 George St, has been controversial, drawing 31 objections.
It will now be heard by the independent Wollongong Local Planning Panel on Wednesday. Any development with 10 or more objections must go to the WLPP.
Council planners had earlier advised that the plan for “stacked” parking (cars nose-to tail in multiple garages) represented “overdevelopment” of the site, and a smaller development should be considered.
The plans have now been revised to include planning-compliant double garages, reduced numbers of bedrooms, and changes to layouts and facade. Planners said the issues had been addressed, and recommended the WLPP approve the proposal.
Despite traffic problems continuing to worsen in Thirroul, particularly over the summer months, council’s planners have dismissed this issue as “outside of the scope” of this proposal.
“Council’s Traffic Officer is satisfied that traffic and car parking demand generated by the proposed development is unlikely to impact on the local road,” they said.
Traffic and congestion are acute issues in Thirroul as a wave of dual occupancies and townhouses boost the population.
“The proposal as amended is considered to have minimal impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties,” council planners said.
“On balance, the proposal is considered not unreasonable development in relation to character.
“The neighbouring properties would retain the minimum three hours of solar access to their living rooms and 50 per cent of their private open space in mid-winter.”
Meanwhile, an application to demolish the house at 19 Toxteth Ave, Austinmer, to build a subdivided dual occupancy has gone on public exhibition. Several established trees, including some on public land, would be removed under the proposal.
And the owner whose plan for a subdivision and dual occupancy at 7A Cochrane Rd, Thirroul, is seeking a review of its rejection last year.
