SOS calls for zoning change

The Peninsula-based Save Our Suburbs branch has called for a change in the zoning system on the Peninsula

The zonings on the Peninsula "are meaningless and a threat to the lifestyle of all residents in Gosford City", according to branch media liaison officer, Mr Mark Ellis.

"We see commercial zonings being built out with residential and 2b zonings all over the Peninsula being overdeveloped," he said.

"There are reductions in the required open space thus reducing the plantings to replace trees that are removed."

At a recent public meeting to discuss zoning on the Peninsula, Save our Suburbs' council candidates listened to local resident concerns about developments.

"We heard that they are intrusive, destroying their quality of life, with the current zonings being exploited by developers," Mr Ellis said.

"Particularly bad examples are in Park Rd and Station St, Woy Woy, and Nowack Ave and Trafalgar Ave, Umina."

Mr Ellis said his party wanted to see changes but not those planned by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR).

"The review of local government assessments by DIPNR will create intense community anger with the planned one-size-fits-all approach to Local Environment Plans, and over 70 per cent of residential development applications to be removed from local government assessment.

"This abhorrent process would remove the small opportunity the community currently has to challenge developments that impact on the amenity of their neighbourhood, ignoring any of the social or environmental impact.

"This would give developers another leg up by providing a seven-day turn around or even quicker with a fist full of dollars," he said, referring to a new "fast-track" fee.

Email, February 18