Heritage listing removes zoning restrictions

It is was with a certain amount of ironic amusement that I read the recent article concerning Ms Fay Gunther's desire to have the general store at Wagstaffe declared a "Heritage Item" to prevent It from becoming subject to development.

Having any building declared a heritage item within the Gosford Local Government Area may lead to its ultimate and unimaginable development, as is the case with the general store at Patonga.

Although it is sited on land zoned 2A (residential), it has been approved to be developed into a licensed tavern, beer garden and dual residence, none of which would be permissible, if the general store was not a listed item of heritage.

Because it is so classified, Gosford Council saw fit to apply Section 45c of the LEP to the development application, which then permits the building "to be used for any purpose".

In effect, this removes virtually all zoning restrictions, floor space ratios, parking requirements, and a myriad of other normal regulations, and in fact makes it very hard for the public to oppose the application.

Anyone who considers they will be preserving a building from future development by having it listed as a heritage item should take the time to thoroughly read section 45c (available through Gosford Council) and then read the approval process that was applied to the Patonga General Store in November 1998.

V Jefferies, Umina