Private certifier blamed for dispute

The manager of Gosford Council's development assessment unit, Mr Gary Lofts, has blamed a private certifier for a dispute between Deepwater Plaza and its new neighbour The Pavilion shopping centre.

The two parties are currently engaged in negotiations over a disabled access ramp, which is inaccessible for those who are wheelchair bound.

The location where a possible access ramp would join the ground is on Deepwater Plaza's car park area, and as Pavilion does not own the land it is unable to complete the work.

Peninsula resident Mr Jim Williams, now in his 80s, said the Pavilion needed to have a ramp as many of customers at the Woy Woy shopping centre were elderly and needed ramp access.

"I hear complaints from a lot of people because you can't get up there," Mr Williams said.

"The only place you might get in is the dock around the back."

The former engineer was critical of the design of the new shopping centre.

"Isn't Council meant to put in disability access?"

Gosford Council's development assessment unit manager Mr Gary Lofts said the building was certified by a private certifier and not by council.

"We have advised the owner that we have contacted the certifier board in regard to this matter," said Mr Lofts.

"This is a problem we have suffered with private certifiers and we have made the certifier board well aware."

Lawyers for Deepwater Plaza contended last week that it was a matter for council and the owner of the Pavilion, and not Deepwater Plaza.

They said they were actively negotiating with both council and The Pavilion owner to try to overcome any difficulties being experienced by shoppers.

Lyle Stone, August 5