A DA to re-develop the Colonial Ridge Resort at Fleet Street, Salamander Bay, has been lodged replacing cottages with multi-storey buildings.

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At a recent meeting of concerned residents, the proposal was described by Colin Howard, a spokesperson for the Salamander Bay Community Group, “as being totally out of character with this residential area.”

The community accepts medium-rise developments in the Nelson Bay precinct, however the group believes that the planning proposal, will set a precedent for multi-apartment complexes all over Port Stephens.

The planned multi-storey building fronting Fleet Street exceeds the 9m height limit of the R2 zoned area.

Queensland registered Mustard-seed Properties plans to provide 35 “Seniors Living” dwellings together with two levels of underground parking.

Local residents are concerned that planned excavations may require continuous pumping of groundwater into the stormwater system and out into Port Stephens waterways, due to the ground water sitting at a level of 1.5 metres below the surface and depth of excavations.

They believe this may contravene aspects of State Government regulations.

The amount of stormwater impacting surrounding properties and the adjacent creek in Stoney Ridge Reserve’s rainforest of Cabbage Tree palms, which runs onto Wanda Beach, also concerns residents.

Other issues include the visual impact of over-development, and loss of privacy in neighbouring homes and gardens, destruction of high ecological-value bushland, formerly within the Reserve, and impacts on threatened species such as Koalas, Powerful Owl and orchid Corybas Dowlingii in the fire adjacent break.

Residents had sought an extension with Council for public submissions, which was not granted.

Mayor Ryan Palmer told News Of The Area, “Council is following a process set by NSW Planning.

“While there is a nominated period to respond, council will accept any feedback up until there is a determination on the DA.”

He believes that the residents in surrounding properties are well aware of the proposed development given the previously withdrawn DA for the site.

The DA can be viewed at Tomaree Library or online using the Council DA tracker and application number 433.

Council has allowed 14 days for the public to complete and send submissions on this proposal, with the formal deadline of 5pm 27 July.

By Marian SAMPSON