Seven-storey Hardy's Bay proposal rejected

Gosford Council has rejected an amended development application for a proposed seven-storey Araluen Dr retail and residential building in Hardy's Bay after receiving more than 700 objections from local residents and businesses.

Hardy's Bay Residents Group president Mr Adrian Williams said this was a very pleasing result for local residents.

He said local residents had been fighting the development application since September last year.

"After the council received over 600 objections to the initial proposal, the developer made a number of amendments to the plan, and it was put on public display for a second time," Mr Williams said.

"This time the council received over 700 objections to the amended proposal.

"Clearly the minor changes made by the developers were not enough to convince locals that the size and style of the development suited the bay.

"A large, seven-level building covering three blocks of land and requiring the removal of over 100 large trees was considered out of context with the character of Hardy's Bay and not in keeping with the minimalist approach to foreshore development that has been advocated by local groups."

Mr Williams said it was overwhelming to see the amount of community support from across the area to oppose the development.

"It seems from the number of letters received by council that more than 40 per cent of residents in the area objected to the development," Mr Williams said.

"This is a significant percentage.

"From my understanding this was the most objections ever to be received by council over a development - a great achievement for our local community."

However, Mr Williams said there were fears the developer would not rest on council's decision to reject the seven-storey building.

"We as a group expect further appeals from the developer to the Land and Environment Court," Mr Williams said.

"We are preparing for this issue to be taken further.

"Should this occur, we would have no hesitation in supporting council in court."

Clare Graham, 29 May 2009 Interviewee: Aidan Williams, Hardy's Bay Residents Group Website, 25 May 2009 Hardy's Bay Residents Group