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A DECISION on a contentious small-lot subdivision in Croudace Bay has been postponed.
Lake Macquarie councillors voted unanimously last week to defer the matter and hold a site inspection after persuasive arguments for and against the development left them scratching their heads.
Almost a year has passed since construction company Monteath and Powys lodged an application for 28 units on the former House with No Steps site at 51 Parklea Avenue.
The original plans attracted 32 submissions and two petitions against the development.
Residents listed concerns about traffic, density and impact on the environment.
The plans were amended earlier this year to propose 21 units and five standard houses.
Each lot is about 300 square metres compared to surrounding lots, which measure about 600 square metres.
When the matter returned to the council last week, staff recommended the development's approval.
However, councillors were not convinced after a heartfelt plea to reconsider from a local resident.
Mark Clatworthy lives in Corymbia Street, which runs parallel to Parklea Avenue.
He said the development was out of character.
"There are 26 units shoved into a space less than a third of the size of Corymbia Street," he said.
"It lowers the attractiveness of our suburb."
Surveyor Stephen Barr spoke for the development.
He said housing was desperately needed.
"Housing supply needs to be diverse," Mr Barr said.
"We need to provide housing that delivers for a range of people - older people, smaller families.
"These people should have access to homes suitable for them, and this development does that."
Councillors will gather on site tomorrow, Thursday, May 21.
