Restaurants proposed for Empire Bay Dr

Gosford Council is expected to reach a decision on approval of a development application that could see a restaurant complex built along Empire Bay Dr, according to council's acting manager of development Mr Peter Pegg.

The proposed development consists of three separate restaurants including car park and an alfresco dining area located in between Wards Hill Rd and the Liberty service station in Empire Bay.

Mr Pegg said the public exhibition period for the proposed development recently closed with council receiving 28 submissions, the majority of which objected to the building.

He said that due to the large number of submissions received from the public, council officers would need time to consider all issues brought up by the public before making a recommendation.

"The majority of objections have to do with the impact of the development on the scenic quality of the area," Mr Pegg said.

"If council officers approve the DA the issue will be brought to council meeting."

"If the DA is rejected the matter will be dealt with by an independent development review panel."

Greens Cr Ms Terri Latella expressed her concern over the proposal and said she feared the development may bring fast food chains such as McDonald's and KFC to the area.

Mr Pegg said he believed the applicant also owned the Liberty service station which was approved by the Land and Environment Court after council objected the original DA.

Clare Graham, 8 Apr 2010 Peter Pegg, Gosford Council