Marina development not seen as 'major'

The Department of Planning have determined that a submission for an upgraded marina at Hardy's Bay would not be classed as "a major development", according to the Hardy's Bay Residents' Group.

The decision means that any development application will be decided by Gosford Council and not the department and the Minister.

"The department has advised that the development could not be declared as a major project because it is not fully permissible in the Hardy's Bay location under Gosford's planning scheme," said group publicity officer Mr Allan Wilson.

"Concerns were also raised by the department regarding the size and scale of the current submission," he said.

"A marina and its additional proposed uses are not currently allowable due to their zoning of 6(a) Open Space."

The resident's group said its major concerns over the proposal included infrastructure and parking and that the industrial nature of the boat maintenance area would "cause noise and pollution".

Newsletter, 22 May 2008 Allan Wilson, Hardy's Bay Residents Group