Non-compliance argued to be 'minor' and 'justifiable'
An application to build a dual occupancy at 15 Telopea St, Booker Bay, and subdivide it into two lots has been lodged with Central Coast Council.
The development will consist of a front and a rear unit.
The front dwelling would be two storeys with four or more bedrooms and an attached double garage.
The rear dwelling is part single-storey, with a two-storey section.
It would contain three bedrooms and a single garage.
Both units include outdoor covered entertaining areas intended as private open space.
The subject site is zoned R1 General Residential and has a site area of 627.1 square metres.
The proposal does not comply with rear setback requirements or open space requirements specified in the planning provisions.
The rear unit has a setback of three metres, where a minimum of 4.5 metres is required.
For front unit includes its private open space within the front setback which is not permitted, and its minimum width of four metres is less than the required 4.5 metres minimum.
The applicant states that the total private open space areas for both units exceed the minimum area required and argues that variations to the planning provisions are necessary given the narrowness of lots in the area.
The variations are also claimed to be consistent with urban renewal objectives and recent nearby approvals.
The application proposes a finished habitable floor level of 3.00 metres AHD to meet flooding requirements, and proposes a building height of 7.22 metres, below the maximum allowed height of 8.5 metres.
The application states the site is within the Booker Bay character area, which is described as a leafy mixed-density residential neighbourhood.
It states that the design incorporates varied building materials and articulation to relate to the desired character, although narrow lots present challenges to achieving the ideal "pavilioned" form suggested in controls.
The proposal includes the removal of a frangipani tree on site and a palm tree in the road reserve, with a replacement street tree proposed.
A submission from a member of the public requested consideration for planting two street trees for replacement, suggesting specific tree types, and inquiring about shade landscaping for the rear unit.
The application asserts that the proposal is of a desirable form of development in an area undergoing urban renewal, consistent with the zone objectives and most planning controls, with "justifiable minor variations".
The proposal is on exhibition for written submissions until May 23.
SOURCE:
DA Tracker, 4 May 2025
DA/455/2025, Central Coast Council