Local Planning Panel - Thursday 22 October 2026

Topics

• Panel unanimously rejects proposed co-living conversion in Wamberal
  A Local Planning Panel has refused the proposed conversion of a permanent group home into co-living housing at 171 Ocean View Drive.
  The decision prevents the proposed change of use from proceeding under the current application and raises planning questions about accessibility and communal facilities for co-living developments.
• Co-living housing application refused
  Development Application DA/1646/2025 for a change of use from group home accommodation to co-living housing at 171 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal, was refused unanimously by a 4:0 vote.
  The proposed change of use will not proceed under this decision, subject to any appeal or further legal process.
• Required communal living area
  The Panel found the proposal did not provide the minimum communal living area required under section 68(2)(b) of SEPP Housing. The applicant's clause 4.6 request was not considered sufficient based on the available extract.
  The proposal was also refused because its communal living provision did not meet the applicable development standard.

Decisions

• Co-living housing application refused
  Development Application DA/1646/2025 for a change of use from group home accommodation to co-living housing at 171 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal, was refused unanimously by a 4:0 vote.
  The proposed change of use will not proceed under this decision, subject to any appeal or further legal process.

Discussion

• Planning compliance and accessibility
  The Panel found the proposal did not satisfy section 69(1)(c)(ii) of State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 because the site was not within an accessible area.
  The decision highlights accessibility requirements that apply to proposed co-living housing developments.
• Required communal living area
  The Panel found the proposal did not provide the minimum communal living area required under section 68(2)(b) of SEPP Housing. The applicant's clause 4.6 request was not considered sufficient based on the available extract.
  The proposal was also refused because its communal living provision did not meet the applicable development standard.
• Possible appeal follow-up
  The minutes state that a further update is to be provided to Panel chairs upon the final decision of an appeal, indicating that appeal-related follow-up may occur.
  Any appeal could affect whether the proposed use is reconsidered or proceeds in a modified form.

Impacts

• The proposed conversion of the group home at 171 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal, was refused.
• Residents and nearby property owners may receive further information if an appeal is lodged or decided.
• The Panel's decision was unanimous, with a 4:0 vote.

Places

• 171 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal (development site)
  Site of the refused application to change from permanent group home use to co-living housing.
• Wamberal (suburb)
  Locality affected by the planning decision.
• Central Coast (local government area)
  Central Coast Council area in which the development site is located.

Next

• Monitor for any appeal and subsequent final decision update.
  If an appeal is lodged; the minutes state that a further update is to be provided upon the final appeal decision.
• Next Local Planning Panel meeting scheduled.
  19 November 2026

Extract

OFFICIAL Central Coast Council MINUTES of the Local Planning Panel Meeting Held remotely online via Teams Thursday 22 October 2026 Panel Members Heather Warton Chairperson Stacey Brodbeck Panel Expert David Crofts Panel Expert Robert Carter Community Representative Central Coast Council Staff Attendance Wayne Herd Section Manager, Building Assessment and Certification Nathan Burr Principal Development Planner Susana Machuca Senior Development Planner Briony Stiles Civic Support Team Leader Kylie Blakely Civic Support Officer Christie Bailey Civic Support Officer The Chairperson, Heather Warton, declared the meeting open at 12:01pm and advised in accordance with the Code of Meeting Practice...