Council forces change of plans

Plans for a new library and canteen at Pretty Beach Public School have had to be changed because Gosford Council would not allow them to be built over part of a water easement.

"Unfortunately the original site for our new library is no longer feasible due to issues associated with building over an existing stormwater easement," school principal Ms Vicki Redrup said.

"We have been advised by Gosford Council that they will not accept any building over the stormwater line or the associated three metre easement.

"The line of easement also affects the location of the canteen demountable.

"The canteen will now be placed closer to the green house and not adjacent to the existing toilet block.

An information evening was held for parents on July 23, to allow them to view the new plans, ask questions and make comments.

"Our new library will be placed near our new administration building at the front of the school along Heath Rd," Ms Redrup said.

"Our school is situated on an extremely tight site and there are a number of predefining factors impacting on any potential redevelopment, such as a number of threatened species habitats and bushfire protection requirements.

"This severely limits the options we have in locating our buildings.

"We have looked at a number of alternatives for the placement of the new library and this looks like the only area for it."

Construction work has recently commenced at the school.

"Our old demountables have disappeared over the holidays and the canteen should be moved in the very near future.

"The removal of the demountables has opened up another space for children."

Newsletter, 22 Jul 2008 Pretty Beach Public School