Tavern could have been built years ago

I write to correct the story published in your paper on September 9 concerning the tavern to be built at Patonga.

Contrary to your report, it has not taken six years for Gosford Council to approve the development of a tavern in the village, as the original application was approved in November 1998, almost five years ago, and the tavern could have been built and in operation since that time.

Shortly after it was approved, an application to expand the trading area of the business was lodged and was completely rejected by council staff and councillors, mainly due to lack of off-street parking and overwhelming opposition from the community.

A similar application was again lodged this year and although there were a large number of objections from the community (54) and the application was again thoroughly recommended for rejection by council staff, councillors have now decided to approve the application.

Perhaps those residents of the shire who have experienced difficulty with having their development plans approved by council might now like to consider how Gosford Council has approved: a general store/bottle shop/tavern/bistro/dual occupancy (prohibited in Patonga) and beer garden on land zoned 2a(residential) without the provision of on site parking and with scant reference to floor space ratios or many other normal development requirements.

Vic Jefferies, Umina