After initially refusing the development application (DA) in May, the Cumberland Local Planning Panel (CLPP) gave deferred commencement approval for a revised plan to build a two-storey boarding house at 78 Frances Street this month.
Opposing the DA, resident Nelson Nghe whose property backs onto the development, told the Panel he was concerned about the lack of privacy from the building overlooking his home and backyard, as well as the potential noise and transient lifestyle of residents.
However speaking on behalf of the proponents, architect Eric Kim said he believed they had met or exceeded all the requirements of the planning rules, including having a plan of management to reduce “any negative impact” on neighbours.
As well as dropping the maximum number of lodgers/occupants from 32 to 29, the revised application cut the number of double rooms from seven to three while increasing the number of single rooms from 18 to 22, plus a manager’s room. Changes were also made to the roof pitch, and the rear setback was increased from 4m to 10m.
In approving the application, the Panel asked the proponents to amend the landscaping plan to allow for inclusion of “suitable tree or shrub species” to better protect the privacy of properties behind the development.
