A proposed 27-unit flat building that has drawn the ire of Charlestown residents because of overshadowing, drainage and parking concerns is set to be more closely examined by Lake Macquarie councillors.
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The council deferred a decision on the proposed Dudley Road unit complex during its development and planning standing committee meeting on Tuesday.
The development, which features three levels of units and a basement car park, would be built across three adjoining properties on the south side of Dudley Road.
The plans attracted 31 submissions across two periods of exhibition. Most were neighbours opposed to the development's scale, its overshadowing, the effectiveness of drainage and on-street parking impacts.
The site is zoned for medium-density housing, but has a border with a low-density zoned area to the south.
One direct neighbour in the low-density area, which is downslope of the site, said the proposal was a "clear over-development".
"The severe impacts of losing our privacy, being overshadowed and being burdened with stormwater risks threaten to destroy the amenity of our family's home," the Alexander Parade resident said.
Contrary to residents' concerns, in recommending the DA for approval council staff said the development would "not have adverse impacts on the amenity of surrounding residences, including those [in the low-density area]".
But councillors have opted for a site inspection, proposed by Cr Barney Langford.
"There is a significant amount of community concern about this development and I think it's important that we give every opportunity for councillors to see this site in situ to get a better feel for the development," he said.
The concerns raised by residents are a case of deja vu in the ongoing densification of Charlestown and other parts of Lake Macquarie.
In December, the council approved a multi-lot development in nearby Kaleen Street which local residents had raised similar concerns with.
That 46-unit residential flat building, which 75 people had opposed, was approved by a depleted seven-member council at an extraordinary meeting before Christmas.
Councillors conducted a site inspection for that proposal, but only Cr Langford ultimately voted against approving the development.
Impacted residents there said other ratepayers would encounter similar issues in the future, with one saying the development was "an extraordinary leap from existing densities" which "set a precedent" that would have "adverse ramification for all residents across the city".