Council approves house

Gosford Council has narrowly decided to approve the development of a house at 92 Taylor St, Woy Woy Bay.

Local businessman Mr Tony Altavilla is building the house on the block of land which was created when Gosford Council sold part of the road to a nearby landowner in 1996.

The block is only 314 square metres and will have a two-storey house with a detached garage and decks at ground and first floor levels.

Council received three public submissions about the proposal, one petition with six signatures and one letter of support.

Concerns raised included the development not fitting in with character guidelines, setbacks, loss of privacy and amenity, height, overshadowing and safety of pedestrians.

Council had decided in December to enter into discussions with Mr Altavilla to purchase the lot for open space, and Mr Altavilla had expressed interest in selling the block.

The Manager Recreation Services, Mr Peter Hickman, also investigated the availability of similar blocks of land for community use in the Woy Woy Bay area and reported there were two reserves that exist on the waterfront: Gurdon Reserve and Correa Bay Reserve.

"Further development at either of these reserves is inappropriate because the former is fully utilised with its small playground and the latter is fully occupied with boatramp, barbecue, car parking and public toilet," he reported.

A report by Council staff concluded that Council would have to find the money if it wanted to purchase the land for open space and thus recommended approving the development of the house on the lot.

Mr Altavilla erected a skeletal framework showing the proposed height of the development on the lot for the previous Council after they requested a site inspection.

Following this inspection, the council resolved to investigate purchasing the land.

Resident Mr Jeffrey Cook spoke against the development, saying the land was a vital wildlife corridor and should be kept for open space.

"This development would stick out like a sore thumb," he said.

"It is inappropriate in nature.

"We're not opposed the development we merely want to see appropriate development.

"Ideally it should be purchased for open space, or dug in so that it is more appropriate in nature."

Cr Peter Hale moved that Council approve the development. He was seconded by Cr Laurie Maher.

"It's a shame this lot exists, but it does exist and the architect deserves congratulations for fitting a house on it.

"At the end of the day, it's a complying development."

Council was split four-all, with two councillors absent, on approving the development.

Mayor Cr Malcolm Brooks used his casting vote to approve the development.

Alison Branley, Council Agenda DH 031, May 11