Developer The Kollective have another large proposal before the public, this time in Bayside, Brunswick Heads, right next door to the preschool at 94 Kingsford Drive.
Called The Corso, it’s already stirred neighbours into action, with one resident telling The Echo they are planning a meeting on Sunday to discuss the proposal.
The developer’s claim on their online FAQ that ‘The proposal is generally consistent’ with Council and NSW government planning regulations.
While Kollective promotes itself as providers of long-term affordable rental housing for moderate income earners, the company has attracted public criticism for pushing the limits of Council’s planning policies and over-development in urban areas. Additionally, weak NSW regulations around affordable rental housing allow developers sunset clauses on developments and only having to provide 30 per cent of the floor area as ‘affordable’.
As part of new development application (DA) pre-lodgement policies, The Kollective have advertised their proposal, and will be holding a community consultation meeting on Monday September 14, between 11am and 7pm. To make an appointment, email your contact details to [email protected].
The website for the proposal is www.thecorsobrunswick.net.au.
Described as a ‘neighbourhood centre’, the plans include a 48 self-contained room boarding house, six shop top houses, co-working spaces and retail shops.
The accomodation will be limited to between 48 and 96 persons, says the website’s FAQ, and ‘will not be for sale or for short term holiday rentals’.
Instead, it will ‘provide permanent affordable housing for singles, couples and young families on moderate incomes living and working in the Byron Shire’.
The developers say rental costs for the boarding house will be $285 and $385 and for shop top houses $450 to $650. An ‘onsite manager to monitor operation of the boarding house’ will be employed, says The Kollective.
The application seeks to have a cafe and grocer operate from 7am to 7pm, daily. Developers also claim that approximately one third of the subject lot will be landscaped..
‘A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is being undertaken which will assess any social impact of the proposal. This will be submitted to Council with the Development Application’.
‘Appointments will be available from 11am to 7pm on Monday September 14 at Brunswick Valley Community Centre, 42 South Beach Rd, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483. To make an appointment please email your contact details to: [email protected].
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