Council approves Umina Mall plans

Gosford Council has reviewed its earlier decision to reject plans for the redevelopment of the Umina Mall shopping centre at the corner of Lone Pine Ave and Ocean Beach Rd.

Council has accepted the proposal in a rescission motion after the developer, SJH Planning and Design, reapplied proposing to include the unnamed laneway behind the centre in the development, resulting in the closure of the lane.

The application was approved with a deferred commencement requirement for the laneway to be closed before work on the centre can begin.

The application was originally rejected due to concern that delivery vehicles reversing in the laneway behind the centre could be dangerous to pedestrians and other motorists.

Residents will continue to have rear access to their homes via the far end of the laneway.

Council's principal building surveyor Mr Gary Lofts said the start of construction depended on when Council and the Department of Lands closed the laneway.

"You could do it in six months but it might take two years," said Mr Lofts.

Before the lanes can be closed council must apply to the Land and Property Management Authority under the Roads Act.

"We want to see this development go ahead.

"We think it's something that the Peninsula needs," he said.

Council agenda NM.22, 9 Nov 2010 Kaitlin Watts, 30 Nov 2010 Interviewee: Gary Lofts