Doyle justifies hardware decision

Cr Craig Doyle has justified Gosford Council's decision to permit the redevelopment of the old Flemmings building as a hardware store, despite a deficiency of car parking spaces.

"If we stopped every development simply because they couldn't provide enough parking, nothing would ever happen," he said.

Council planners stated that a financial contribution would be required in lieu of the shortfall so Council could provide parking facilities in the vicinity in future.

Cr Terri Latella opposed the development, saying she could not support a development that would be as successful as Bunnings when it lacked sufficient parking.

Cr Chris Burke supported the proposal, saying "Umina needs an injection of infrastructure and Bunnings is going to bring that infrastructure to the area.

"It's going to create work which is a huge win for Umina.

"The builders are going to be a local company which is another win for Umina," he said.

Cr Doyle said that the store would be doing good things for the town.

"Umina has leaped ahead particularly in the last four or five years.

"It's not your typical Bunnings site that you would expect.

"It's more of a mini major.

"It's returning to the centre of Umina a hardware chain which was there a few years ago.

"It is going to provide jobs, probably another 44 equivalent full-time jobs in construction.

"That can't be understated.

"That's potentially 40 less people on the freeway.

"These sorts of developments need to be supported and we need to find creative ways to move the development forward," said Cr Doyle.

Gosford Council Agenda ENV.70, 1 Nov 2011 Kaitlin Watts, 8 Nov 2011