A prime beachfront location in Byron Bay would become home to a $9 million luxury unit development under plans currently on public exhibition with Byron Shire Council.
If approved, the development application (DA) for 42 and 44 Lawson Street would see the demolition of three existing homes stretching over two blocks, and the construction of a five-unit residential flat building.
Five plunge pools
The large, three-storey structure would have basement parking for 12 cars, rooftop terraces and five plunge pools.
Significant landscaping works are also included in the proposal, with three native trees to be cut down, though the application has promised to undertake ‘extensive planting of native coastal plants, palms and canopy trees’ as part of the project.
The proposed basement would also require ‘substantial earthworks’, including the excavation of 5,000 cubic metres of soil to a depth of 4.5 metres.
The application states that this extensive excavation is necessary to ensure that the building does not exceed the nine-metre height limit for this part of town.
The unit located on the ground floor will be located over a metre below street level.
Nevertheless, the proposal does include exceedances of the front building line setback, with one of the private swimming pools to be located entirely within the setback area.
However, the planning consultants hired by the developer – Newton, Denny, Chapelle – argue this is a minor exceedance and have sought permission for a variation to the rules.
The consultants concluded that, aside from this small variation, the project complied with all relevant local planning rules and legislation.
‘In consideration of the issues and information provided, approval of the DA is warranted in the manner prepared, subject to the application of reasonable and relevant conditions,’ they said.
‘The project provides for five new high quality residential units on the beach front in Byron Bay… [and] has been designed to be compatible with the existing and desired future amenity of the locality’.
The owners of the properties are listed as PA McCann and One Cremorne Pty Ltd, with the developer listed as the Martino Group.
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