Planning Report 12612 DA · 131998.981050.1

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In this case the lot is quite narrow and accordingly the architect has had to design a relatively
long and narrow building, adding angle variation to prevent monotony of line.

The building is setback over 17 metres from the front boundary. The front portion of the site
is the lowest part, below the level of the road. For drainage purposes, the duplex could not be
moved much further forward on the site. This setback combined with the provision of
landscaping including the pool in the front of the site should present an attractive view to the
road.

Obviously the applicant also wants to make the most of ocean views gained from the higher
land at the rear of the lot.

The applicant states they intend to retain existing trees at the rear of the lot and allow some to
grow through the deck and eventually the pergola. In practice I am not convinced this will be
achieved and don’t know if the trees would prosper in such an arrangement.

As the setback encroachment is created by the decks and pergola only there would appear to
be scope for a setback modification. Setback distances of 4 to 4.5 metres have been allowed in
relation to decks in other duplex cases. The proposal shows the lower deck set back an
average of 4 metres. With minor alteration a minimum setback of 4m and a minimum average
setback of 4.5 metres could be achieved for the lower deck and this is considered more
appropriate.

In relation to the upper deck, the projection of the deck is decreased and it is already set back
an average of about 5 metres.

Given there will be a privacy wall separating the two units the views of neighbours may
potentially be affected. However no submissions were received on this application while it
was in the notification period, indicating neighbours did not object to the design.

The duplex has an interesting design and will be finished with shadow clad and render
construction to external walls with customorb roof sheeting. The design of the building on
different levels may increase the perceived height but serves to separate the building into a
front and rear portion adding variation. At no point does the building exceed two storeys nor
8 metres from the ground level. The use of pitched rooves decks, screening and integrated
carports instead of bulky garages creates an interesting appearance quite suitable to the
Sunshine Beach location.

Ample landscaping has been provided, with particular attention to the frontage of the site.
The plans show a gravel driveway, however this as well as the carparking spaces would need
to be sealed to meet Engineering requirements. All cars will be able to leave the site in a
forward gear. The Council’s sewer exist within the road reserve at the front of the site,
however the Engineering Department believe this will not be a problem to the crossover as
proposed.

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