Kiama Council will vote next Tuesday on a development application for a four-storey development on the southern side of Akuna Street.

The developer is planning to build a mixed use development of three commercial units, 38 “shop top housing” residences and spaces for 93 cars at 14 Akuna Street, which is currently a split level car park.

The estimated cost of the project is $21 million.

Kiama Council’s director strategies and communities Ed Paterson has tabled a report for the meeting which recommends approving the plan which has been recently declared a State Significant Development by the NSW Government.

Under the plan, the existing structures and car park will be demolished and two trees removed.

A previous development application for the project was previously lodged but withdrawn at the recommendation of Council staff due to “deficiencies” in the proposal relating to issues such as potential groundwater contamination and pollution, sustainability measures, aesthetics, non-compliances with the Apartment Design Guide relating to common open space, visual privacy, solar and daylight access, acoustic impacts between land uses and unacceptable car parking design and waste collection arrangements.

The staff recommendations have been incorporated into the amended design for the current application.

There is a relatively minor encroachment to the 11m building height limit as a result of the sloping topography and the change in building height limits across the site, according to Paterson’s report.

Council will also vote on a proposal to extend the lease for Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club until October.

Council received 93 submissions in relation to the proposed lease when it was placed on public exhibition from 26 October to 23 November with 82 in support.

Director corporate and commercial Joe Gaudiosi has advised Council that, in accordance with the Local Government Act, having seven objections means NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig will be required to give his consent before Council can agree to a proposed 20-year lease with the Surf Club.

Council staff will meet with the executive of the GSLSC to negotiate the specific lease conditions taking into account the feedback from the submissions

In Gaudiosi’s report to Council, he states that “overall, the submissions acknowledge the significant community value and services provided by the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, with most submissions (approximately 80%) supporting the proposed lease.

“Notwithstanding this support, the submissions raise matters requiring further consideration and negotiations with the Surf Club executive prior to finalisation of the lease terms, including community access and use.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Council is also set to vote on the public’s preferred option for the long-awaited Jamberoo Dog Park.

Five designs for a fenced off-leash area were presented with the final option getting the most votes - separated dog parks comprising a 30m x 30m small dog area in the east and a 45m x 22.5m large dog area in the west of the reserve on the corner of Gibson Crescent and Church Street.