A proposal for six townhouses, swimming pool and underground car park in a leafy Gymea street has “fundamental flaws,” independent architects say.
Sutherland Shire Council has referred the plans to the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP) for consideration before the matter is determined by council officers.
The townhouse project, which would replace two single storey houses in View Street, is another example of residents being outraged by a development application (DA) based on the draft Development Control Plan (DCP).
DAs are being assessed under the new rules even though the DCP has not been finalised.
The draft DCP provides more generous floor space and landscaping ratios and building heights.
Anita Gregor and her mother Ligia Amaya are among residents opposed to the View Street proposal because of the privacy impact and the belief it is out of character in the area.
Ms Gregor said, because the building site slopes two metres from the rear boundary to the street, and underground parking is included, the bottom floor level height of the the front townhouse would be two metres above the ground next to the fence dividing the properties.
“A ramp would come up next to the fence to sliding doors, which would look right into our kitchen,” she said.
“The townhouses would also look into our backyard and houses behind us facing the Kingsway.”
Ms Gregor spoke against the proposal at a council committee meeting, and will repeat the exercise before IHAP.
The council’s Architectural Review Advisory Panel (ARAP) recommended changes.
Its report said there there were “fundamental flaws reflected in the poor levels of amenity, the complexity of the central access provision and impacts on adjacent properties”
Council officers reported the development had been designed to be complying.
“However, as a result of the proposed height out of ground and placement of balconies and access ramps, the development will result in unacceptable privacy impacts to the sides and rear,” the report said.
‘CLAYTONS’ BLOCKS OF FLATS
Councillor Peter Towell says some townhouse developments being proposed under the draft DCP are “Claytons blocks of flats”.
Cr Towell, a Shire Watch Independent, moved the View Street development application (adjoining story) be referred to Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel.
He said it was not too late to amend the draft DCP.
Cr Towell said there should be a 60 per cent depth rule for all dwellings in R2 low density zones.
This would restrict two storey buildings to the front 60 per cent of the block for townhouses, dual occupancies and single dwellings.
“In the past we didn’t have a problem of townhouses going right to the back of property,” he said.
“Increased floor space and reduced landscaping ratios have made it possible. I have been arguing against it from the start.”
