PUBLIC opinion is divided over a proposed three-storey “boarding house” development in Queanbeyan.

The $1.9 million proposal, lodged in July with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC), seeks to demolish an existing home and eight trees at 2 Ross Road, to make way for a three-storey “new generation” boarding house.

If successful, the development — adjacent to the New York Apartment block on Ross Road — would feature 25 boarding rooms, including two disabled rooms, two adaptable rooms, one manager’s residence and 14 car parking spaces.

The applicant for the proposed development is Alvic And Partners Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based company specialising in “custom” home designs.

According to documents submitted as part of the DA, the boarding house will provide “safe and affordable” accommodation to young and old professionals (singles or couples), and divorcees where there is “lack of supply” of safe, quality, and affordable places to live in Queanbeyan.

The DA has polarised public opinion, triggering a degree of community backlash on social media.

“This is ludicrous!” wrote Amanda Hensley on Facebook’s Queanbeyan Community Noticeboard.

“They’ve trialed it in large metro areas like Sydney, resulting in loads of complaints from neighbouring properties, petitions and in one instance that I’m aware of, even a court case.”

“No absolutely not,” commented Nicole Oliver. “I think this proposition for the council is ridiculous. If you look at the block where they want to construct this site, it is way to tiny to be building at this block. They want to cram more people into what is already a cramped and very busy area with more people.”

However, Anastasia Elizabee, who lived across the road from one in Sydney, believes it’s “not a big deal”.

Gail Ransom didn’t have a problem with the proposal either, saying: “I live near housing for homeless people in another part of Queanbeyan and have never had an issue. I would be more worried about the increase in traffic and parking problems from this development.”

Same with Lori J Tas, who said: “Sounds like something very needed especially for our most vulnerable.”

The public notification period for the development is now closed.

QPRC will now assess the proposal.