Application prompts laneway requests

An application for a combined commercial and residential development in Trafalgar Ave, Umina, has led to requests for a change to traffic conditions in the laneway behind the property.

Residents of Norman St and Trafalgar Ave, Umina, have lodged petitions with Gosford Council objecting to the development.

They have also requested that the unnamed lane between Trafalgar Ave and Norman St become one way from West St to the beach as soon as possible.

The residents objected to the proposed building as the area was known to flood and had a garage below ground level.

They claimed neighbours "would be devoid of" sunshine and privacy and would suffer with increased noise.

They also objected to access being via a three metre wide laneway which already serviced 33 garages.

The residents claimed there was insufficient parking for a complex that was partly commercial, as any extra parking would end up on the streets which were already filled to capacity.

The petitioners stated that currently traffic exiting the laneway onto West St had to traverse a busy footpath with cars being parked along West St for most of the day limiting the driver's vision.

They stated that there were a number of other blocks that have been sold and would most likely be the subject of redevelopment plans which could further increase the number of vehicles using the lane.

The council received a similar request for Fyfe Lane, Umina, on the other side of Trafalgar Ave, between it and South St.

In addition to a busy footpath and parked cars, a nearby bus stop added to the confusion.

The petitioners requested that this lane be made one way from West St to The Esplanade and that speed humps be installed at appropriate locations along its length.

Council agenda P.003, P.007, January 24