A development application proposing 67 dwellings (60 semi-detached and 7 detached) was recommended for refusal by Kiama Council at Tuesday’s meeting, following an in-depth report by Council staff. The application was lodged by PSEC Project Services, who describe themselves as a Sydney-based architecture firm specialising in “architecture, interior design and property development and project management.

The report assessed the proposal at Lot 2 Dido Street, Kiama for demolition, earthworks and rehabilitation was praised by some councillors for its clarity in highlighting a number of issues. These were summarised as flood impacts, evacuation risk, bushfire management and biodiversity concerns. 

Of most significance was the issue of access in and out of the site during a major flood event. This would prevent emergency services accessing homes where there might be immediate danger or risk to life. The council staff report noted that the site has been cut off on four occasions in the last two decades.

Council staff also noted that " the proposed development (along with existing development north of the creek) does not have a flood free access/egress, with no means of carrying out an emergency evacuation by road in the event of a major flood."

Whilst Council have made the recommendation, the final decision will lie in the hands of the South Regional Planning Panel on 20 February 2024.

The decision has been delegated to the Panel as the estimated cost of the development is more than $30 million, making it ‘regionally significant development’. PSEC Project Services estimates the development will cost $35 million to build.

This regional planning panel process is designed to “strengthen decision-making for regionally significant development applications and other planning matters” according to the NSW Planning Department. 

The panel consists of five members who will consider council’s recommendation, council staff’s report as well as the proponent’s approach to addressing the risks above.