New LEP for Bensville

The Gosford Council has resolved to prepare a draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) for Bensville.

At a recent meeting, Cr Debra Wales spoke of the purpose of the LEP.

"Council needs to be more site specific with Bensville," she said.

"I don't think Bensville is appropriate to have a main street with churches, or an expansion to the school.

"You can't do these things with the Bensville people.

"They are already very anxious about the precinct," Cr Wales said.

The council resolved to prepare a draft LEP "to protect the unique rural character of the Bensville precinct ensuring that uses reflect the rural nature of the area surrounding the residential township".

A staff report to council stated: "The draft LEP should review the appropriateness of uses such as schools, churches, convalescent hospitals and nursing homes, as these uses have a tendency to adversely affect the traditional rural character of the precinct.

"Council is presently assessing another application for a church in Bundaleer Cr, Bensville.

"This will make two applications for churches within 12 months.

"The zoning 7(c2) allows such uses as churches, schools etc and yet the underlying zoning was for rural activities.

"Quite correctly, the local residents are concerned that such applications will continue to be received and will eventually result in an irreversible change in the character of the area which will subjugate the original rural purpose of the area.

"A classic example of how traditional rural precincts have changed can be seen in Serpentine Rd at Erina, which has forced many long term residents on rural small holdings to move from the area.

"It can clearly be seen in the Erina precinct how such activities have markedly changed the visual appearance of the suburb as traffic has increased, commercial activities have increased, land has been cleared and traditional rural uses have disappeared."

Jonathan Reichard, council agenda NM.012, June 24