THE housing regeneration in Kiama to cater for older citizens has got off to a rocky start with residents in Shoalhaven Street objecting to a development application for 51 units.
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The units are proposed to be built across three housing lots among one and two-storey houses.
For neighbour Roman Wowk this would mean almost half of his block in shadow at noon and eight balconies would overlook his backyard.
"There's going to be a major loss of privacy," he said.
Rosalind and Rodney Howard moved from Sydney 20 years ago to escape rising development.
"What's happening to Kiama is exactly same thing happening in Manly, it's losing its atmosphere," Mr Howard said.
Kiama Municipal Council rezoned the area R3 medium density in December 2011 as part of its new Local Environmental Plan following a two-month public exhibition.
In line with Department of Planning requirements for the area's growing and ageing population, the council had to cater for an extra 1040 medium density dwellings.
"But no-one wrote a letter to us saying there was a rezoning," Mr Wowk said.
A council spokesman said the proposed development complied with the zoning's 11-metre height limit. However, additional information had been sought regarding floor-space ratio, balcony areas, water and energy efficiency commitments. The council will consider the development at a future meeting.
