A Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) has deferred the determination of Council’s proposal for a multi-storey car park in Nowra at a meeting last Tuesday.
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The existing 193 space car park on the corner of Worrigee and Berry Streets was earmarked for a five-storey car park to accommodate 646 vehicles.
Chair of Berry Court owners corporation Stephanie Gates, who presented a submission on behalf of the residents, believes the design does not align with the Nowra CBD Masterplan.
“The principles of those plans have not really been adhered to and it seems to me the JRPP think so too because the determination was deferred,” she said.
The JRPP had concerns over the 17 trees which would be removed for the car park and have informed council they must be protected.
“The current building setback is 6.1 metres, the council wanted to make it 3.1 metres, which means the trees would have to go,” Mrs Gates said.
“The standard height for buildings in Nowra is 11 metres. council has proposed a variation to that at a time when the building height chapter for Nowra is under consultation. The JRPP wasn’t impressed [council was] seeking to completely ignore these approved standards.”
Council must also redesign the southern face of the car park, to improve the outlook for Berry Court residents.
Shoalhaven City Council assets manager Martin Upitis said the project, which had cost $93,000 thus far, would fulfil an estimated shortage of 570 parking spaces in Nowra in the future.
“Studies confirmed the Worrigee Street site is the most suitable location to meet the demand for all-day parking for employees of the Nowra CBD,” he said.
“The Stewart Place car park is for short-stay, high-turnover parking for shoppers and those doing business in the CBD. It is also seen as a potential commercial development site, in which case the developer would provide additional parking at this location.”