Council lays charges over demolition of ferry master's cottage

The Gosford City Council has voted unanimously to begin criminal proceedings against the owners of the ferry master's cottage at Wagstaffe for demolishing the historically significant structure.

The building was demolished after council had refused an application to build a residential dwelling on the site because of the historical significance of the existing building.

The council had started procedure to have the building listed as an environmental heritage item.

Speaking at a recent council meeting, Cr Craig Doyle said: "I was dismayed to hear of the destruction of this building.

"The people who did this have taken away the right of the community, the council and the courts to decide what should happen.

"They have removed one of the council's reasons for refusal of their development application.

"Heritage items are a public asset in the hands of private citizens.

"We need to take a stand against this sort of behaviour," he said.

The cost of council prosecuting will be approximately $40,000, with costs awarded if successful.

The maximum allowable penalty under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act is $1.1 million.

Council agenda CS145, August 7