Planning panel approves Monro Park offices development without pub component

The Sammut Group modified the application to remove the "food and drinks" component, which was to have been a pub, large restaurant or similar, after Sutherland Shire Council planners advised they would not support the use because of inadequate information.

The development will include five levels of commercial and co-working office floor space and two levels of basement car parking.

In a unanimous decision on Friday, the panel stipulated a separate development application (DA) would be required for the first use and fitout of the bottom two levels, which were originally proposed to be a "food and drink" premises with a capacity for 900 people.

Julian Sammut, development director for Sammut Group, said they were "delighted" with the panel's decision.

"The design by our architects Innovate is exceptional and will provide a southern gateway entrance to the Cronulla Centre commensurate with its location," Mr Sammut said in a statement.

"As with all our projects, we are determined to present a high-quality outcome that the community will embrace and enjoy.

"The project represents an opportunity to work close to our homes - keeping jobs local and will also be a catalyst for the regeneration of the Cronulla retail strip and further stimulate the Cronulla's daytime economy."

The approval includes a variation to the building height standard.

The 25 metre standard will be varied to 26.2 metres, a 4.8 per cent increase.

Fifty-nine submissions were received on the first neighbour notification of the DA, including a petition with 4357 signatures, and two letters of support.

A further 21 submissions were received from the second neighbour notification period.

The major issues included the food and drink premises and potential pub use, noise, anti social behaviour and the impact on Monro Park and fig trees.