PORT Stephens Council has approved a Corlette development which exceeds the area’s maximum height development standard by 12.88 percent.

DA 16-2022-172-1 is a three-storey dwelling at 58 Sandy Point Road, which seeks consent for the demolition of the existing structures on the site to construct the house and a swimming pool.

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The dwelling includes a double car garage, single garage for boat storage, seven bedrooms with associated ensuites, open plan living and dining spaces, internal lift access and a rooftop retreat.

The swimming pool is proposed at ground level and located towards the foreshore reserve.

Notably, the development application includes a proposed variation from the development standard of 9m to 10.16m, representing a 12.88 percent variation.

Council officers stated that despite this height variation, the proposed development is considered to be appropriate for the context of the area which is characterised by dwellings of a similar bulk and scale.

“There are a number of comparatively tall or taller buildings in the nearby area, including the immediate neighbouring dwelling at 60 Sandy Point Road,” Council’s Development and Compliance Manager said.

“The height exceedance is also located towards the middle of the site and as such, the area of exceedance is less apparent as viewed from the street and neighbouring properties.”

Community members also expressed their concerns that the building may be used as short-term accommodation in the form of an Airbnb.

Councillor Leah Anderson spoke to the motion, stating there is no easy answer to developments such as this.

“There are a few objections to this development – I’ve read them, I’ve taken phone calls and I’ve received emails.

“I’ve spoken to the neighbours who are objecting, and I’ve listened to what they’ve had to say and have also spoken to the owners of property who have given me their backgrounds.

“They’ve lived on the Tomaree Peninsula for most of their life and they’re building their forever dream home.”

Cr Anderson says the owners intend to live in this new home and not put it up for short term rental.

Several Councillors, including Crs Giacomo Arnott, Leah Anderson, Jason Wells and Peter Francis, supported amendments to the approval acknowledging the community’s concerns for short-term accommodation, moving items stating that “Council requests the applicant to refrain from using the development application, if approved, as short-term rental accommodation”.

This amendment, however, was lost with Crs Matthew Bailey, Chris Doohan, Glen Dunkley, Peter Kafer, Steve Tucker and Mayor Ryan Palmer voting against it.

The majority of the Council voted in support of the application, with Crs Arnott and Wells voting against it.

By Tara CAMPBELL