A DEVELOPMENT application to build a block of units 36.2m high in Clarence Street in Port Macquarie has nearby residents hopping mad.
“This is just not in keeping with Port Macquarie, and we think the height should be the same as the surrounding buildings,” Malcolm Brown said.
“If they let this through, who knows what will be next – 42m? Maybe even higher. I think the whole of Port Macquarie should be concerned about this.”
Malcolm and his wife Lee received a rude shock when they opened their mail last week and found a letter from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council informing them of the application, which is to demolish an old house and two old-style units behind it at 3 Clarence Street and build a block of 13 units.
The couple live in the Focus building opposite, which has a stunning sea view across the road to the north-east in between existing apartment blocks on either side of the proposed development. They knew the site across the road would one day be developed, but say they were told by a representative of the developer when they bought their unit that the height could not be any higher than the two unit blocks either side, which are 28m on the left and 32m on the right.
Gloria Davis, who lives on the third floor of the Focus building above the Browns, was also told this, in her case by a real estate agent.
The Browns and Ms Davis made it clear they have no issue with a building the same height as the existing apartment blocks, but they have major concerns about a building two storeys higher.
“We are going to suffer lack of light and lack of privacy if it goes ahead, as it will look directly into the units here. We would lose most of the sea view in that section regardless of the height, so that is not the reason we are protesting,” Mrs Brown said.
““This building is totally excessive and also ugly.”
The Browns and Ms Davis say it is also overdevelopment of the site, with so much packed in that the apartment block will even have to have car lifts to stack cars so adequate parking can be provided on site.
“This building is obscene in terms of Port Macquarie and out of keeping with a relaxed seaside town,” Mrs Brown said.
Gloria Davis said she was shocked when she saw how high it would be.
“I would not expect the council to okay that,” she said.
“It’s just not right.”
The development application is open to public comment until 31 March, and the Browns and Ms Davis plan to put in personal submissions. Mr Brown will also be having a meeting today (27 March) with a council town planner to find out more about the project.
“Even if that height is technically permitted, it is inappropriate here, and council has the right to fine-tune the application and council should exercise that right if necessary,” Mr Brown said.
The Browns say they escaped Sydney to have a nice peaceful life in retirement and this development application had ruined that.
“We have loved our life in Port Macquarie – until this week,” Mrs Brown said.
