Forresters Beach home plans refused over rooftop terrace, bulk and setback The Central Coast Local Planning Panel voted 4-0 against amended plans for 1 Yumbool Close, citing a visually dominant form, a non-compliant Bedroom 1 setback and likely terrace noise. Council: Central Coast Council Meeting: 17 Sept 2026, 12:00 pm Recorded status: rejected BRIEF The Central Coast Local Planning Panel voted 4-0 to refuse amended dwelling, pool, retaining-wall and rooftop-terrace plans at 1 Yumbool Close, Forresters Beach. Reasons included visual bulk, a failure to retain a two-storey appearance, a non-compliant Bedroom 1 side setback, likely terrace noise and a south-west retaining wall that was not substantially the same as the approved development. KEY FACTS - The panel refused the Section 4.55 modification at 1 Yumbool Close, Forresters Beach, to consent DA/1974/2023/A. - The panel found the proposal was not of minimal environmental impact and was inconsistent with R2 Low Density Residential zone objectives. - The recorded reasons cite visual bulk, failure to retain a two-storey appearance, a non-compliant Bedroom 1 side setback and likely rooftop-terrace noise impacts. - The proposed new south-west retaining wall was found not to be the same as, or substantially the same as, the previously approved development. - The decision was recorded as unanimous, 4-0, with objectors to be notified. ANALYSIS OF THE RECORD - The minutes record a refusal of the amended proposal and do not establish whether a revised application, review or appeal will follow. - The rooftop-terrace noise finding is a forecast of likely impacts from the proposed design, not a report of measured noise or a confirmed disturbance. QUESTIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP REPORTING - Will the applicant lodge a revised proposal or seek a review or appeal? - If a revised proposal is submitted, will it change the rooftop terrace, Bedroom 1 setback or south-west retaining wall identified in the refusal reasons? RECORDED NEXT STEPS - Objectors are to be notified of the panel's decision. SOURCE PASSAGES The minutes identify Item 2.2 as DA/1974/2023/B at 1 Yumbool Close, Forresters Beach. "The External Referral(s) be notified of the Panel's decision. Reasons for Decision: The Panel agreed with the reasons for refusal as outlined in the Council Assessment report. Voting Unanimous (4:0) Central Coast Council Local Planning Panel Minutes 17 September 2026 Page 5 OFFICIAL 2.2 DA/1974/2023/B - 1 Yumbool Close, Forresters Beach - Dwelling, Inground Swimming Pool & Retaining Walls Including Demolition of Existing Dwelling & Swimming Pool with Retention of Northern Retaining Wall & Terrace (Amended Application) Item 2.2 - DA/1974/2023/B - 1 Yumbool Close, Forresters Beach - Dwelling, Inground Swimming Pool & Retaining Walls Including Demolition" (Item 2.2 heading) The proposal was not considered to be of minimal environmental impact and was inconsistent with R2 Low Density Residential zone objectives because it failed to maintain the locality's desired future character. "The proposed development does not satisfy the requirements of Section 4.55(IA) as it is not considered to be of 'minimal environmental impact'. b. The proposed development is inconsistent with the objectives of the R2 Low Density Residential Zone under the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022, as it fails to maintain the desired future character of the locality." (Item 2.2, reasons a-b) The cited concerns include a visually dominant form, failure to retain a two-storey appearance and a Bedroom 1 side-setback non-compliance. "c. The proposed development does not satisfactorily minimise adverse impacts on the public domain, resulting in an unacceptable built form outcome when viewed from the street. The roof terrace and access staircase of the development fail to adequately respond to the streetscape context, leading to a visually dominant form that detracts from the established and desired character of the locality, contrary to the provisions of the Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022. Central Coast Council Local Planning Panel Minutes 17 September 2026 Page 6 OFFICIAL d. The proposed development fails to retain the appearance of a two‑storey building when viewed from the street. The overall height, bulk and façade articulation and introduction of a roof terrace present as a development exceeding the intended two‑storey character, resulting in a built form outcome that is inconsistent with the relevant controls and design intent of the Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022 e. The proposed increase to Bedroom 1 fails to comply with the minimum side setback prescribed by Clause 2.1.3.1(c) of the Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022. This non‑compliance reduces building separation and gives rise to unreasonable amenity impacts, resulting in a development that does not achieve an orderly and proper planning outcome." (Item 2.2, reasons c-e) The proposed rooftop terrace was considered likely to cause unreasonable noise impacts on adjoining residential properties, and the proposed south-west retaining wall did not meet the requirement of being the same or substantially the same development as previously approved. "f. The proposed rooftop terrace is likely to result in unreasonable noise impacts on adjoining residential properties due to its elevated and unenclosed nature. The terrace would facilitate outdoor activities and gatherings, increasing the potential for noise transmission and disturbance to neighbouring dwellings and private open space areas, resulting in an unacceptable impact on residential amenity. g. The proposed new retaining wall in the South West corner does not meet the requirement of being the same or substantially the same development for which consent was previously granted." (Item 2.2, reasons f-g) The decision was recorded as unanimous at 4-0 and objectors were to be notified. "2. The objector(s) be notified of the Panel's decision. Reasons for Decision: The Panel agreed with the reasons for refusal as outlined in the Council Assessment report. Voting Unanimous (4:0)." (Item 2.2, decision 2 and Reasons for Decision) SOURCES https://docspublished.com.au/centralcoastcouncil/document/8f5ba49b-15e7-4f33-99db-0ccfd0876316 https://minutesradar.com/news/central-coast-infocouncil-local-planning-panel-thursday-17-september-2026-17-sept-2026-12-00-pm-minutes-forresters-beach-dwelling-and-pool-3948a6b7c7/ Prepared from public council minutes using automated drafting and checks. No meeting attendance or interviews are implied. Check the original record and seek comment before republishing claims or analysis. Illustrations are generic, not depictions of actual projects.