South West Rocks ‘zombie’ DA buried as Rise Projects start work
Published on 23 February 2024
South West Rocks residents will see machinery on site in the coming days after Rise Projects surrendered their controversial 1993 era development approval.
Construction of Rise Projects' 'The Rocks' development in South West Rocks will begin in early March under a new DA, with construction vehicles and equipment expected on site in the coming week.
The original 'zombie' DA has been closed by the developers, and the new Development Application (DA2200404), approved under current laws and regulations, became active from 23 February 2024.
Kempsey Shire Council are reviewing Rise Projects’ environmental management plans to ensure any impacts from construction are appropriately managed.
Once Rise Projects has their environmental management plan signed off by Council, and a Construction Certificate is awarded, construction can begin.
The construction program Rise Projects has proposed for Stage 1A is as follows:
Early Works
- Starts 4 March (pending approval of construction certificate)
- Finish in April
Main Works
- Starts in April
- Finish in September
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 across 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.
Until now, clearing and preliminary earthworks on the site have been done under last year’s court-ordered construction Certificate from the Land and Environment Court.
The works beginning in March relate to the Stage 1 development only, NOT to the Concept Master Plan DA proposals for the site as this other development application is currently being independently assessed by a planning expert and will be determined by the NSW Northern Regional Planning Panel.