PlanningAlerts

1 Comment

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1. I wish to comment on the development which has been undertaken at 201 Ravensdale Road, Ravensdale to raise concerns over density and the flow-on impacts for local residents.

   Increased density
   Over the last 7 years, 2 additional permanent dwellings have been approved taking the number of dwellings along this 300 metre stretch of Ravensdale Road to 5. To add another 3 units and a high density farm stay in the middle of the area significantly impacts the quiet enjoyment of this rural area.

   The development proposal is for 3 units accommodating 2 guests per unit per night. This is in addition to the accommodation offered in the main house, which is advertised as accommodating up to 12 people, taking the total capacity of the property to 18 guests per night. This is significantly higher than implied in the development proposal.

   The listing on Stayz also says “The property is full of beautiful spots to put a purpose built arbour or alter and create your own style of function” indicating the potential for events that could include a large number of day visitors.
   (http://www.stayz.com.au/accommodation/nsw/central-coast/yarramalong/154814)

   Noise
   The development (as advertised) significantly increases traffic and noise associated from arrivals and departures, which could occur at any time of the day or night. The high capacity offered appeals to large groups increasing the potential boisterous noise, which could potentially be the case every weekend. Residents having a party from time to time is completely acceptable, but noisy gatherings every weekend will significantly reduce the quiet enjoyment of other residents in the area. As this is a rural valley, even conversations outdoors carry some distance.

   Parking
   Although the plans suggest there is off road parking, it isn’t sufficient to accommodate up to 6 vehicles, which is not unlikely at capacity, as the shed and garage have been converted to accommodation. Currently, with just the house being rented casually, there are occasions when multiple vehicles have been parked on the road overnight. There are often large animals (kangaroos, wallabies, deer, wombats) traversing the road, especially at night, and having vehicles obstructing vision creates a risk.

   Managing problems arising from high density
   As all the accommodation on the property is available for rent, there is no owner or caretaker on site to assists guests should a problem arise, as it did at Christmas when the septic overflowed and the house had no water. These sorts of incidents are more likely to occur when there are large numbers of people accommodated as the house’s infrastructure was designed for use as a family home.

   Additional agribusiness on site
   As well as the farm stay business, it seems a bee keeping business is also planned for the site. The model proposed is not labour intensive, however there would still be a need for additional traffic and activity as someone tends to the bees, collects honey, moves hives, etc. It’s unclear where the hives will be located, however there are potential impacts of having high density guest accommodation alongside up to 80 bee hives, eg high potential of swarms and location of water points posing risk of stings to guests.

   Summary
   I have no objection to a farm stay business/beekeeping business at this location per se, my objection is to the density and intensity of usage proposed and its impact on the amenity and quiet enjoyment of other residents in the area. The other farm stay in Ravensdale Road operates harmoniously, however it accommodates 6 guests significantly less than will be the case should these three additional units be approved.

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