Port Stephens Council to vote on controversial Anna Bay oceanfront home

Port Stephens councillors are set to vote on October 27 regarding a proposed $4 million, three-storey oceanfront residence in Anna Bay. The development application, submitted by Perception Planning on behalf of landowner Angelo Gabriel Di Stefano, involves demolishing an existing single-storey home at 13 Ocean Avenue to build a new dwelling that reaches the nine-metre height limit.

The project has faced significant community opposition, garnering nearly 100 submissions and a petition signed by hundreds of residents. Primary concerns cited by objectors include the loss of neighbourhood character, privacy issues, increased traffic and parking demands, and impacts on community amenity. Additional objections involve noise, overshadowing, loss of ocean views, and the potential for the property to be used as a short-term holiday rental.

The site is located on a 610-square-metre lot adjacent to a waterfront reserve near Moore's Pool and the Tomaree Coastal Path, bordering the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place. While council staff have recommended approval, the matter was escalated to a full council vote following requests from councillors Jason Wells and Roz Armstrong to decide the matter in the ‘public interest’.