Two more petitions against fast food proposal

Gosford Council has acknowledged the submission of two more petitions objecting to the planning proposal for five properties on Ocean Beach Rd to establish a fast food outlet in Umina.

One petition, which had 562 signatures, was lodged with Council on January 24, was acknowledged in the quarterly petition report to Council released in Council's agenda of Tuesday, April 24.

Petitioners said they believed that the community supported the many local businesses in the area and were concerned that small businesses would financially suffer as a consequence of the proposed McDonalds development.

They said they felt that the community would suffer by having less choice and variety of food available in the area.

They also objected to the increased traffic congestion, rubbish around the streets, health impacts and visual pollution.

Petitioners requested that Council support them in not approving the planning proposal for 430 Ocean Beach Rd, Umina.

The other petition was received by Council on February 28, and had 908 signatures.

Petitioners said they were concerned with local family businesses closing down, more vacant shopfronts on West St, traffic and parking issues, rubbish and potential late night disturbances.

The petitioners requested that consideration be given to their concerns and said they looked forward to presenting their case when this matter came before Council.

Gosford Council staff reported that the issues raised in the petition would be included in the assessment of the proposal and that the matter would be placed before the Council for determination.

Gosford Council Agenda COR.24, 24 Apr 2012