Planners' thoughts on Peninsula's future

Council planners' thoughts about the future of the Peninsula have been canvassed in a report on a rezoning application for a property in South St, Umina.

Council rejected the application.

In their report to the council, planning staff referred to the development of an "integrated plan" for the Peninsula by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP) team, based in Gosford.

Such a plan would "set a new strategic direction for a range of issues across the Peninsula", according to the report.

"Council will be aware that a 'Living Centres' team of DUAP has now been established on the Central Coast in Gosford CBD," the report said.

"The team is to adopt a place management approach to planning, with the aim of planning for a better environment, jobs and livable cities through a partnership approach.

"One of the initial priority projects for the team shall be the development of an Integrated Plan for the Peninsula addressing infrastructure, improved urban design, appropriate residential re-development for medium density housing, renewal of Woy Woy-Umina-Ettalong town centres and optimising local employment opportunities.

"As such, this integrated approach shall set a new strategic direction for a range of issues across the Peninsula, resulting in an improved urban outcome and an improved living standard under the framework of a 'whole of government' approach.

"In addition to the strategy, Council is pursuing state government funding under the Urban Improvement Program for funding for a project that would dove-tail into the Integrated Planning Strategy.

"Concerns have also been raised in relation to the extensive areas already zoned for medium density, and that redirection of medium density housing to town centres where services and facilities are concentrated may be more appropriate.

"This would also allow a more focused approach to the provision of services and facilities to be provided by way of Section 94 contributions.

"Poor urban design outcomes, environmental and flooding constraints, together with the deficit in service infrastructure and facilities have also been of concern in relation to continuing medium density development on the Peninsula."

Council agenda, May 1