A proposed eight-storey office block at Sutherland would be the largest new commercial development of its kind in the shire for many years.
The site for the $12 million project, at 696-700 Old Princes Highway, is occupied at present by auto parts supplier Repco and vehicle servicing and repair business, Kar Pro.
The development application (DA) said it was originally intended to build a shoptop development, comprising basement car parking, ground floor retail and 48 apartments over eight levels.
However, in pre-DA discussions, the council and Design Review Forum identified constraints on the site because the amalgamation pattern in the development control plan (DCP) was not followed.
In response, the proposal was amended and does not include any residential floor space, the DA said.
The project would include four basement levels of parking, retail space on ground level and offices on levels 2-8 with rooftop open space on level 9.
"The proposed development will provide almost 5000 square metres of non-residential floor space in the Sutherland Centre and as such will contribute to the economic strength and vitality of the centre," the DA said.
"The development will contribute to the diversity of retail and office uses in the Sutherland Centre that will serve the needs of the community and provide employment opportunities in an accessible location.
"The high quality, contemporary design of the commercial building, which includes a variety of integrated landscaped spaces, will provide a positive contribution to the streetscape and a high level of amenity for occupants of the building.
"The development also facilitates future public domain improvements such as the widening of the footpath and provision of rear lane access, once the adjoining sites are redeveloped."