An application for a four-storey apartment building in North Wollongong is expected to be refused by the Wollongong Local Planning Panel because it does not comply with many development controls.
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The $5.5 million proposal includes the demolition of an existing single dwelling, and construction of 16 apartments and two levels of basement parking at 2 Blacket Street, located adjacent to the Novotel.
The proposal also incorporates a water-related theme which includes an infinity pool on the rooftop, which will be visible from Cliff Road and the foreshore reserve.
The planning panel will discuss the proposal on Wednesday before making a determination.
Nine submissions were received including five from nearby properties. One submission was supportive, seven objected to the proposal and one highlighted an administration error.
Concerns included the building height exceeding the limit set out in the planning control, privacy issues and visual impact.
Another criticism raised in submissions was that the development would have“an appearance of transient accommodation/short term holiday letting which is a prohibited in the zoning”.
The proposal has been recommended for refusal because the design quality and does not comply with design criteria including visual privacy, vehicle access, bicycle and car parking, natural ventilation; private open space and balconies; acoustic privacy; amenity; facades; waste management, apartment mix, energy efficiency, landscaping and building maintenance.
The development is likely to be refused because it “would overshadow the foreshore and will have an impact on the visual amenity and scenic qualities of the coast” and “will have an unreasonably adverse impact on the significance of nearby heritage items”.
The development proposal also does not comply with Wollongong City Council’s development plan in the building’s setbacks, fence height, building materials, car and parking access and waste management.
On 11 December 2018, Quill Holdings filed a appeal with the Land and Environment Court in relation to the apartment proposal. The appeal is ongoing and Wollongong council and Quill Holdings have agreed on a date for a conciliation conference to identify any issues, develop options and work in good faith to reach an agreement.
