environment · Central Coast Council
Forresters Beach roof terrace and retaining-wall plans refused over neighbour impacts
The Central Coast Local Planning Panel rejected amended plans for 1 Yumbool Close after finding the design too visually dominant, too close to a side boundary and likely to create rooftop-terrace noise.
An amended dwelling, pool and terrace proposal at 1 Yumbool Close, Forresters Beach, has been refused after the Central Coast Local Planning Panel found it would create unacceptable impacts for adjoining residents, including visual bulk, noise and reduced building separation.
The unanimous decision on 17 September concerned a Section 4.55 modification to the approved development, which involved demolishing the existing dwelling and swimming pool while retaining a northern retaining wall and terrace. The panel found the proposal was not of “minimal environmental impact” and was inconsistent with the objectives of the R2 Low Density Residential zone under the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022.
It said the roof terrace and access staircase would create a visually dominant form when viewed from the street. The proposal’s height, bulk, façade articulation and terrace also failed to retain the appearance of a two-storey building, contrary to the Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022.
The enlarged Bedroom 1 did not meet the minimum side setback required under clause 2.1.3.1(c) of the development control plan. The panel found the reduced separation created unreasonable amenity impacts and did not produce an orderly and proper planning outcome.
The elevated, unenclosed rooftop terrace was also likely to create unreasonable noise impacts for adjoining homes and private open-space areas by enabling outdoor activities and gatherings.
A proposed retaining wall in the south-west corner was another reason for refusal. The panel found it was not the same, or substantially the same, development as the one previously approved.
The Forresters Beach application was one of four development applications refused unanimously at the meeting. In North Avoca, the panel rejected a licensed restaurant and cafe at 15/21-23 North Avoca Parade over issues including Body Corporate consent, residential amenity, noise, parking and toilet facilities. In Warnervale, it refused a childcare centre at 23-35 Albert Warner Drive over vegetation retention, biodiversity, public open-space, privacy, noise and traffic concerns.
Objectors and external referral bodies are to be notified. The panel’s next scheduled meeting is 22 October 2026.
Reference minutes
Central Coast Council Local Planning Panel, Local Planning Panel meeting, 17 September 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The Panel unanimously refused the Section 4.55 modification for 1 Yumbool Close, Forresters Beach.
- The proposal included a dwelling, inground swimming pool, retaining walls and a roof terrace.
- The Panel found the amended development was not of minimal environmental impact.
- The proposed rooftop terrace was considered likely to create unreasonable noise impacts for adjoining residential properties.
- The proposal failed to meet the required minimum side setback for the enlarged Bedroom 1.
- The Panel also refused a proposed south-west retaining wall because it was not the same, or substantially the same, development previously approved.
Why it matters
- The refusal prevents the amended Forresters Beach design from proceeding in its submitted form and addresses the height, terrace, noise, setback and retaining-wall impacts identified for adjoining residents.