Monteath & Powys worked with our client and notable architect to provide specialised town planning advice and assistance to prepare a development application for the demolition of existing structures, the construction of mixed use commercial and residential flat buildings and a plan of subdivision. The approved development comprises of:

• 4 towers (one at 7 storeys and three at 6 storeys) with roof top gardens
• 120 Residential units
• 4 retail / commercial units
• 1 communal multi-purpose area
• 2 levels of basement car parking   and
• associated landscaping

The project is located along Brooks Parade, Sharp Street & Edgar Street in Belmont, with two towers directly overlooking Lake Macquarie, and has an estimated value of $39 million.

In association with industry partners, Monteath & Powys compiled, lodged, and negotiated a development application on behalf of clients to facilitate the approval of development on a significant and constrained site which required a common podium to comply with Lake Macquarie City Council’s Sea Level Rise Policy.

The application required the analytical review of plans, reports and data which addressed the site’s environmental constraints. The provision of planning advice and collaboration with industry partners resulted in a design which met the objectives of the Belmont Town Centre Area Plan, specifically, achieving a high level of landscaping and street activation along three street frontages despite requiring an elevated common podium.

The project required SEPP 65 Design Panel review and needed to meet community expectations and the vision for this gateway site.  Extensive consultation was undertaken with Council staff to ensure the project was aligned to the objectives of the local environmental plan and to confirm the development was in the public interest. The project also involved consultation with Hunter Water to ensure the development aligned with the local wastewater infrastructure.

The Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel approved the development in November 2020, including a clause 4.6 application for a height variation to provide a contextually appropriate building form when viewed from the public domain.

The project provided a well-designed and balanced development for the site that will act to continue Council’s strategic plans for the locality and provide investment in the local economy.

Our Planning works entailed:

• Project meeting with clients and architect.
• Preparation of preliminary planning advice based on concept design plans.
• Coordination and engagement of subconsultants.
• Preparation of Statement of Environmental Effects and lodgement documentation.
• Preparation of Application to vary a development provision under clause 4.6 of the EP&A Act 1979.
• Preparation of Urban Design Review.
• Preparation of CPTED Report.
• Preparation of Social Impact Assessment Report.
• Preparation of Waste Management Plan.
• Preparation and lodgement of a development application with Lake Macquarie Council.
• Preparation and lodgement of an amended development application under clause 55 of the EP&A (Regulations).  
• Attendance at SEPP 65 Design Panel meetings.
• Attendance at meetings with Council.
• Attendance at meetings with Hunter Water.
• Preparation of post lodgement documentation required to further clarify compliance.
• Attendance and presentation at Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel meetings.
• Plan of subdivision.
• Drone photography for photo-montage.

A lengthy approval process successfully completed for a milestone project for our client KML Joint Venture.