A development application lodged by PDC Planners in January 2020 proposed the conversion of an existing dwelling on Sand Drift Way to a communal boardinghouse to provide affordable, long-term accommodation for vulnerable members of the community.

Shoalhaven City Council has received almost 200 submissions opposing the proposal, many from residents who fear the development would make the neighbourhood less family-friendly.

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At the council's June 23 meeting councillors voted that the application should be called in for determination by councillors because of public interest.

It's not the first affordable housing proposal to make waves - a similar proposal made for Bomaderry was also met with opposition by neighbouring residents.

However, with wait times of five-to-10 years for public housing in the Shoalhaven, afforable housing solutions must be found.

Labor and Anglicare has called for the federal government to come up with housing solutions for low income earners, as job losses from the coronavirus pandemic continue.

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