There’s fears a new development at Port Macquarie could have serious environmental impacts on a local waterway.

Neighbours are also concerned the multi-storey apartments could be the beginning of the end for their quite street.

The matter is now before PMHC's Development Assessment Panel (DAP):

The Development Assessment Panel (DAP) assists in managing Council's development assessment function. They provide independent, transparent and expert determinations of development applications that fall outside of staff delegations.

The Panel aims to enhance decision making by improving the balance between technical advice and local knowledge.

Functions:

The key responsibilities of the Development Assessment Panel are to:

* Review development application reports and conditions. The focus of the Panel's review is to be on those issues raised in submissions received following exhibition of development applications.

* Determine development applications where there are 3 or more unique submissions, or where an application is outside of staff delegations.

* Refer development applications to Council for determination where necessary.

* Provide a forum for objectors and applicants to make submissions on applications before the panel.

* Maintain transparency in the determination of development applications.

PMHC assessment reports are available to view 4-5 days prior to the DAP meeting date. You can view meeting agendas and minutes in the Council's business paper library.

The Proposed Development : The Anchorage JV Pty Ltd

The site for this development is located at 60-62 The Anchorage, Port Macquarie, NSW.

The site is in the R1 - General Residential zone under the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2011.

The permissible maximum FSR for this area is 0.65:1 and the permissible maximum height of the building is 8.5m (Lot 25) and 11.5m (Lot 26)

The subject site is currently vacant and presents a prominent location facing the Hastings River to the North-west and South-west boundaries and it is adjoined on the North-east and South-east boundaries by existing two storey dwellings.

The proposed development consists of a two and three storey residential flat building. The building will include 18 residential apartments, comprising of 13 Three Bedroom and 5 Four Bedroom apartments. The development includes basement car parking, which is proposed to be accessed from the existing cul-de-sac connected to The Anchorage in the South-Eastern corner of the site.

The proposed use is consistent with the site’s zoning and the zone objectives. Contextually, the proposed development is appropriate for its location and will contribute positively to the character of the area.

The designers say the site is suitable for the proposed development and the proposal adequately addresses relevant planning controls.

Video By | Jemma Pepper