After significant community and legal attention, Kempsey Shire Council has granted consent for the Rise development in South West Rocks.
Councillors voted at the August meeting to grant development consent for construction for multi- dwelling housing, neighbourhood shops, and takeaway food and drink premises at Lot 2 DP1091323 Phillip Drive, South West Rocks.
The proposal for the development, known as Rise, was comprehensively assessed against the relevant legislative considerations, planning controls and anticipated environmental impacts, and as result the approval was granted with inclusion of 72 conditions.
More than 100 submissions were received from the community highlighting environmental and privacy concerns which contributed to the removal of a planned five story residential apartment. A presentation from the Voices of South West Rocks at the Public Forum ahead of the Council meeting recognised the efforts of community and Council to investigate concerns and work towards a resolution.
Mayor Leo Hauville noted that the project is consistent with planning controls outlined in the Kempsey Local Environment Plan.
“The 72 conditions within the development consent will help protect the environment in and around the site, with several conditions needing to be met before a construction certificate will be issued,” said Cr Hauville.
“Councillors are particularly aware of the consent conditions and the related compliance issues and will be seeking updates on the monitoring of those conditions.”
Council staff noted that while the proposal raises legitimate environmental issues such as stormwater impact, acid sulfate soils, and contamination, these challenges can be effectively managed through well-designed water-sensitive urban planning and engineering strategies.
The development consent outlines a three staged approach to construction.
- Stage one A includes Intersection and internal private road works, including earthworks and stormwater infrastructure throughout the development footprint.
- Stage one B consists of constructing multi-dwelling housing including 18 two storey units with compliant parking provisions.
- Stage one C is construction of the commercial building including six retail tenancies including café, and multi-dwelling housing including 12 two storey units, with communal areas, swimming pool and compliant parking provisions.
For the history of this Development application, please visit Council’s page at
