Cheers greet aquatic centre approval

Cheers greeted Gosford Council's unanimous approval of plans to proceed with the proposed Aquatic and Leisure Centre at 243 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.

However, the development had met with some opposition from people living next to the site who suggested that the scale of the complex should be smaller.

At a site inspection and at a later council meeting, councillors and residents discussed the proposed centre.

Cr Chris Holstein moved the plans be approved, along with extra landscaping to screen nearby houses from vehicle headlights, traffic calming measures in the area, lockable barriers for the rear car park and a restriction on opening hours to between 4:30am to 10pm.

It was also decided that the facility would be built in one construction phase.

Cr Holstein said: "The necessity for this facility is paramount for a whole range of reasons.

"Neighbours have raised concerns about the size and impact of the development.

"The landscaping around it will address this problem."

Cr Craig Doyle said: "There are areas of the region which have been underdone in the past and the Peninsula is one of them.

"This is a great thing for the Peninsula," Cr Doyle said.

Jonathan Reichard, November 19