The six self-contained units within the boarding house is being constructed in Anderson Avenue for Southern Cross Community Housing.

The $720,000 project has seen the demolition of an existing cottage and garage on the land.

Each unit will have its its own kitchenette, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe.

There will be a communal living area and a shared kitchen area, which could also be converted into a seventh unit.

The proposal also includes two car parking spaces and is expected to take between 1`0 and 11 months to construct.

It is understood the boarding house will be for young, unemployed, homeless men attempting to get back on their feet.

Nearby residents have raised concerns with the South Coast Register about the proposal, claiming they had not been notified of the plans by Shoalhaven City Council under its new policy of not notifying neighbours of development applications following changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act which came into force in March.

Read more: Keep a closer eye on council’s DA tracking register

Residents have told the Register they understand the property would only be used as “emergency housing” and the residents would only be at the property for “around four to five weeks”  before “moving on”.

“We knew nothing of the project until work had virtually started,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous “by then it was too late to object.

“We didn't hear anything from council.

“What annoys us is they can do something like this on our doorstep and we knew nothing about it - there is no transparency.”

Residents also questioned if there would be a full-time, on-site supervisor at the location.

Designed by Martin O’Toole Architects in Bowral the project is on land formerly owned by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation.