A Determination Hearing by the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel has deferred a decision on a proposed $31 million seniors’ living development in Collins St. The size of the development means that the Panel is the approving body, rather than Kiama Council.

After hearing concerns from neighbours in Meares Place and Minnamurra St and the Kiama Central Precinct committee, and responses from the owner, architect and other advisers, the Panel said significant changes needed to be made before the development could be approved.

While confirming the site was permissible for seniors’ living, with its various development concessions, the Panel held that the basic design needs to be reconsidered, to loosen up the bulk of the building and address privacy and view concerns.

During the Hearing, the owner confirmed that rules would ensure no holiday renting of the units.

A Council report to the Panel prior to the Hearing recommended the 59 independent living unit development, based around a central courtyard, be approved.