Second storey for church?

Gosford Council has deferred a decision to approve a second storey addition to the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall at Jumbuck Crescent, Woy Woy.

Council is expected to make a decision on the application following further consideration of public submissions and objections to the proposal.

The application proposes upper level building additions to include a minister's interview room and library.

The proposal also includes extensive renovation of the existing building to alter the external appearance, providing rendered wall finish, new colorbond roof, windows and door openings, entry gates, porte cochere and side boundary fences.

Alterations to the building footprint on the lower level would see enlarged toilet facilities, entry foyer and storage.

The existing auditorium size and total seating capacity of 120 seats will remain unchanged.

Council received nine public submissions in relation to the application.

The public submissions raised objections to the application due to shortage of parking, increased traffic volume, noise and the devaluing of adjoining properties.

According to a council report, the concerns raised by public submissions were unlikely to be "further exacerbated by the current proposal having regard to the intended usage of the first floor additions".

"Additional impacts generated by the proposal are not considered to be significant and can be ameliorated by appropriate conditions of consent to control operations from the site, limit noise levels, and ensure adequate vehicle access and parking to service the development, without adverse impact on traffic flow and the existing road network."

The original place of public worship was granted building consent in 1975.

In 1986, council refused a development application for alterations and additions to the church involving extensions to the church hall and provision of two school rooms.

Council agenda ENV.47, 1 Jul 2008