Update
Work is expected to start shortly on the demolition of old flats opposite Cronulla beach to make way for high-rise apartments following the granting of development approval.
In a unanimous decision, Sydney South Planning Panel said the project would add to housing supply and choice in a location close to transport and job opportunities.
The development would also add to retail and commercial services in the town centre and assist in facilitating the long-term evolution of Surf Lane as a commercial-pedestrian environment.
The panel allowed a variation to the maximum building height set down in the LEP, saying compliance would be unreasonable and unnecessary in the circumstances because it would not generate unacceptable impacts on nearby premises.
Earlier
A development application for two high-rise apartment blocks opposite Cronulla beach has cleared a major hurdle.
Sutherland Shire Council planning staff have recommended approval of the Gerrale Street project, which has an estimated construction cost of nearly $29 million.
Sydney South Planning Panel will meet at Sutherland on February 28 to hear final public submissions and make a decision on the DA.
The council recommended approval after raising a range of concerns with the developer, which led to amended plans being lodged.
The development site is occupied by four old blocks of flats, which sold in a line for $54 million in 2017.
Under the proposal, they will be replaced by nine and 10 storey buildings with dual frontage to Gerrale Street and Surf Lane, comprising 67 units and six commercial units on the ground floor.
Plans include 14 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom and 25 three- bedroom apartments.
There will be a podium level communal open space area with swimming pool on level one, as well as four penthouse swimming pools.
A total of 140 car parking spaces – 115 residential and 25 commercial spaces – are included, along with 14 motorcycle and 20 bicycle parking spaces.
A communal “wellness room” on the ground floor is also in the plans.
The council assessment report said the application was placed on public exhibition on two separate occasions, resulting in 11 submissions.
“The matters raised in these submissions have been addressed in detail in this report and a number of design changes made to mitigate some of these concerns,” the report said.
“The proposed amendments have led to an improved development outcome.
“Other issues raised by the submissions have been dealt with by conditions of consent where appropriate.
“The proposal includes variations to the maximum building height development standard.
“This variation… is considered acceptable on the basis that the additional height does not result in visual intrusion and is appropriate in the context of the Cronulla Centre.”
The report said the proposal also departed from the building envelope set out in the shire’s 2015 Development Control Plan.
“As demonstrated in the report, the merit-based design approach proposes an alternative built form which will result in a positive development outcome for the site,” it said.
“The impact of the proposal on neighbouring buildings has been considered at length and design amendments incorporated to minimise effects where possible.
“Overall, the proposed development will result in a significantly enhanced streetscape in both Surf Lane and Gerrale Street, and make a positive contribution to the built form in the Cronulla Centre.”
Sydney South Planning Panel will meet at Sutherland Shire Council chambers on Wednesday, February 28 at 10.30am.
To register to speak at the meeting, call 8217 2060 or email enquiry@planningpanels.nsw.gov.au
Any person may attend the meeting to observe.
