Application refused again

Gosford Council has refused an application for a number of alterations to a home in Orange Grove Rd, Blackwall.

The application proposed the construction of a timber deck, handrail, privacy screen and timber access stairs above an existing boatshed.

The proposal had been refused by Council previously last November because it would detract from the character of the locality, was an inappropriate location and design, and would have unreasonable impacts on neighbours' privacy and amenity.

It was also inconsistent with the Brisbane Water Plan of Management in using the boatshed roof for recreational or observational purposes.

The applicant submitted an amended plan that reduced the area of the deck by about 40 per cent, but Council's director environment and planning said despite this, the rooftop structure would continue to exist and the visual impact would be similar to the original proposal.

"The area could not be used as a courtyard or deck unless the existing boatshed were demolished.

"If that were to occur, any recreation area would be at ground level providing no more or less impact than the use of foreshore yard areas on other properties in the locality," the report stated.

Gosford Council Agenda ENV.22, 6 Mar 2012