A proposal for a boarding house development in a small city street opposed by neighbouring residents has been recommended for approval by Orange City Council this week.
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A staff report to council's next meeting on Tuesday night said amendments made by the applicant after residents expressed their concerns about noise, overcrowding and access, made it suitable for approval.
The Curran Street property currently has six units and is owned by Mitchell Kidd, the son of Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd, and Scott Lumby with Mr Lumby listed as the applicant for the DA.
Staff are of the view that the amended plans address the key issues
- Report to Orange council
Council previously deferred a decision on the $700,000 development and sought a site visit.
The staff report said that took place on Friday May 28.
"[It] was well attended by councillors, staff and the applicant's consultant," it said.
"Staff are of the view that the amended plans address the key issues identified at the Planning Development Committee meeting of May 4, 2021," it said.
"I note that the applicant agreed to a condition to provide solid timber fencing on the northern neighbour's boundary in lieu of providing an acoustic report.
"From experience with other developments such as boarding houses, medical clinics, and drive-through food shops, a 1.8m solid fence for a carpark with eight vehicles would adequately address noise emissions to the neighbour. I therefore accept the request that an acoustic report be not provided. The recommendation of approval is supported."
The initial DA stated seven car parking spaces would be provided for the proposed 15-room double storey boarding house development.
However the staff report said that was insufficient for the number of residents planned.
It said the number of car parking spaces would now be increased to eight which would comply.
"The proposed parking spaces will also be 'nose in parking only' to minimise the potential impact on adjoining neighbour," it said.
Other changes proposed include improving access into a laneway from Curran Street, increasing the size of a communal room to allow better solar access, increasing the size of a first floor deck and redesigning a unit to provide a small bathroom window.
The report said a state government planning policy covering affordable rental housing applied to the site
"It effectively overrides a number of local controls and restricts council's refusal options," it said,
"The applicant has amended the design substantially throughout the assessment phase of the application. From experience with other boarding houses within the city, parking is one of the main issues."
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