The proposal is for a mixed-use development comprising 15 ground floor retail and 75 residential units at the long-vacant block at the corner of Bong Bong and Manning streets.

The proposal has a capital investment value of $22 million.

The development comprises four storeys, with one basement level, and 206 residential and retail parking spaces.

The DA was lodged in February.

The matter was heard at a public determination meeting with the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel on July 30 at Kiama council chambers.

Documents recommended the JRPP give its conditional approval for the DA.

Kiama council is not the determining body due to the proposed development's value.

In a report to the JRPP, council officers recommended the development be approved, saying it "represents a contemporary, well-articulated design and style that presents appropriately to both Manning and Bong Bong street(s)".

According to a council spokesperson, deferment of a project of this scale is not uncommon, and "while general support for the project was indicated, the applicant has been asked to review some identified aspects of the design".

When the matter is heard again will depend on the timeframe in which the applicant can provide revised plans.

Earlier this year, expressions of interest were sought for proposed beachside residences and retail commercial spaces on the land opposite Kiama's Grand Hotel.

Developers St Trinity Property Group opened online registrations for "luxury beachside residences with commercial and retail suites".

Earlier this year, Steve Pryor, director of Raine and Horne Kiama (the selling agents for the development) said apartment prices would range from $500,000 to $1.2 million, and described it as "Kiama's most significant development ever" in terms of size and scale.