Amended tavern plan to be considered

Gosford Council has decided to consider an amended plan for redeveloping the Patonga store into a tavern at a meeting tonight (Tuesday).

Mr Robert Osborne, the owner of the store at Patonga, had been refused council consent to build a tavern where the store currently stands, and appealed to the Land and Environment Court.

Council had previously resolved to defend the appeal, but also to negotiate with Mr Osborne.

"A special meeting of the Environmental Heritage Advisory Committee (was held on) July 30 and the minutes of that meeting were adopted by Council on August 5," according to council minutes.

"The applicant conferred with the committee and submitted fresh plans for its consideration.

"The committee has no objection to the amended plans except for the site plan that did not indicate the reinstatement of the awning to the general store.

"As a result of the meeting with the environmental heritage advisory committee, the applicant has lodged with council an application seeking reconsideration of the determination of the application.

"Council will consider the application on August 26.

"The applicant has offered a contribution for off-site parking.

"This offer will form part of the application.

"The applicant has applied to the Land and Environment Court requesting that the hearing date be vacated pending determination of the application.

"Subject to the council approving the application for reconsideration of the development application the appeal should be discontinued."

In spite of this resolution, the item has not appeared in the August 26 council agenda.

Council agenda FS.089, August 12