Lake Macquarie council has extended the submission period for a proposed 40-room boarding house at Charlestown by a fortnight.
The closing date for submissions on the Mulbinga Street development was set for October 12, but has since been moved to October 26.
The proposed site, as reported by the Newcastle Herald last week, has attracted criticism for being located next to a childcare centre.
Angst towards the development was further highlighted in a controversial letter distributed to local residents earlier this week.
The anonymous letter called on residents to oppose the project and took a swipe at Charlestown state MP Jodie Harrison.
When approached by the Herald about the letter, Ms Harrison said council was “wholly responsible for determining the DA” and she encouraged “anyone with views on the DA to make a submission”.
“I support the provision of appropriate, safe, affordable housing which complies with appropriate controls for everyone in our community,” Ms Harrison said.
Lake Macquarie council confirmed on Wednesday it had not initially notified Charlestown Childcare and Early Learning Centre, which borders the proposed development, of the DA.
Parents of children who attend the centre, which leases its premises off council, had expressed disappointment about not being notified.
“While Council is not required to notify the tenants of adjoining land, the childcare centre has been advised of the extended submission period,” a council spokesperson said.
The developer dismissed concerns last week, saying any boarding house must be close to shops and transport.
“The accommodation in Newcastle is very expensive,” the developer said.
“There’s a lot of people that can’t afford rent... it doesn’t mean they are a bad person.”
The DA, lodged on September 20, comes as three Newcastle boarding houses shut last week due to fire safety concerns.
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