Trust objects to proposal

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust has submitted a detailed objection to the seven-storey development proposed for Araluen Dr, Hardy's Bay.

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust monthly newsletter stated more than 100 major trees would be removed if the development was approved by Gosford Council.

"A development application has been lodged with Gosford Council proposing to build four shops and nine housing units at Hardy's Bay, in Araluen Dr adjacent to the bottle shop," the newsletter stated.

"The structure would replace the present three shops and would have seven levels terraced up the slope of the hill and two levels of underground parking.

"Like the massive Ettalong edifice, it will have white walls with large windows."

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust committee has submitted an objection to council highlighting its concerns for the development.

In the trust's November newsletter, the committee stated the massive scale of the proposed development is unsympathetic to the character of the area and the conspicuous high visibility location would dominate the landscape.

The newsletter also stated the seven-storey development contradicts the Gosford DCP 159 guidelines for local "character", traffic congestion at the adjacent major intersection would increase, causing a hazard for vehicles entering the development's carpark and minimal commercial benefits to the community would be seen from three local businesses being removed.

It also stated the removal of mature spotted gum and ironbark trees would have a significant effect on the resident bird and mammal population as a result of the development being approved.

The trust's monthly general meeting was held at the Maitland Bay Centre on November 9, to discuss the proposed development and other ongoing community concerns and projects.

Newsletter, 5 Nov 2008 Killcare Wagstaffe Trust Inc