IOOF used as bad example

Gosford mayor Cr Robert Bell has used the example of plans for the IOOF Homes Centre in Ettalong to support a request for planning changes.

In an open letter to Planning Minister, Dr Andrew Refshauge, Cr Bell made a plea for zoning provisions to protect affordable housing.

He asked that studies into affordable housing "also include related matters such as the I00F Home Centre at Ettalong and the protection of tenants in residential parks".

Cr Bell's letter came after the owner of a caravan-mobile home park wanted to close it down to construct a residential flat building, which would provide a better financial return.

Cr Bell asked that the Minister consider extending a State planning policy which protected "Retention of Low-Cost Rental Accommodation" to cover mobile home parks.

He asked that in the interim a Local Environment Plan be approved to protect the parks and that funding be made available to help prepare a study of affordable housing in Gosford.

"Council believes these issues are having a detrimental affect on the availability of affordable housing in the city and creating much angst amongst low income families, predominantly the elderly with regard to their homes and their futures."

The mayor and councillors have sought a meeting with the Director of Planning NSW to discuss the issue.

Letter, March 5