AN eight-storey development proposed for central Tweed Heads would use mechanical car racks to provide enough car parking spaces for residents and shop keepers in the planned complex.

A development application put before Tweed Shire Council outlines the planned eight-storey "mixed use development" comprising eight home units plus commercial and retail premises.

The proposal provides for one level of basement car parking with 28 car parking spaces, mostly "in mechanical stackers".

Planit town planning consultants have told the council: "Due to the small area of the site the area in the basement is limited, a car rack system is proposed within the basement to provide sufficient car parking spaces onsite".

The building in Wharf St in the heart of Tweed Heads would replace an existing "bakehouse", real estate office and rear car parking area.

The consultants say the new development "maximises landscaping opportunities within the site which provides for a well landscaped terrace area on level three" and allows for about 544 square metres of landscaped area.

"The ground level landscaped area is complemented by the provision of large balcony open space areas with each unit providing a minimum of 17.5 square metres of balcony space," the report says.

"The balconies are designed to act as a direct extension of indoor living and bedroom areas and provide for a high quality outdoor living area.

"Communal open space and barbecue area is provided on the roof terrace fronting Wharf St.

"The proposed roof terrace has an area of approximately 64.5 square metres and includes a barbecue area and common kitchen."

The consultants say the building height limit for the site is 50m and the eight storey block easily comes within that limit at about 30.4m.

"Significant public benefits are likely to result from redevelopment of what is an under-utilised commercial site, inclusive of the reinvigoration of the adjoining town centre and its peripheral areas," they say in the development application.