Council rejects six-storey development in South West Rocks

Published on 22 February 2021

A development application for a six-storey development in the heart of South West Rocks has been refused by Kempsey Shire Council.

The development application, lodged in October 2020, involved demolishing two existing dwellings and replacing them with a six-storey building providing ground floor commercial space and five levels of holiday accommodation on Livingstone Street.

In reaching the decision not to approve the application at Tuesday’s ordinary meeting, Council found agreement with much of the feedback from the community to the project.

Council’s Manager Development and Compliance, Graham Snow, said Council had received a strong response from the public who were overwhelmingly opposed to the development.

“The feedback from the public was particularly concerned with the height, scale and character of the proposed building,” Mr Snow said.  

“In the report that was voted on, Council staff listed 13 key grounds for refusal. Those reasons included exceeding the height limit without sufficient justification, the development being inconsistent with the existing heritage and future character for South West Rocks and the proposal not adequately integrating with the public space. The applicant had also failed to provide sufficient information to Council on a number of aspects.”

The future character of South West Rocks is articulated in the Shire’s Local Strategic Planning Statement. Council adopted that plan, entitled Your Future Macleay – Growth and Character in September 2020, in which it outlines a 20-year vision to guide planning and development decisions throughout the Shire.

The statement specifically identifies the Livingstone Street area of South West Rocks as a village precinct where redevelopment must be at a scale compatible with its character.

Council have supported and continue to support appropriate developments in the area. South West Rocks is expected to experience the most significant growth within the shire over the next 25 years. The population of the area is estimated to grow by almost 50% or 2,575 residents by 2036. This population growth will require additional dwellings, which will be achieved via subdivision and increased density where appropriate.

“We have a significant challenge in balancing the need to support the economic benefits of growing South West Rocks, against the strong desire to preserve a village atmosphere,” Mr Snow said.  

“Strong and consistent planning frameworks that look at community desire alongside legislation and demand is going to prove very important as we face more and more of these crossroads in coming years.”