Chamber seeks review of medium density controls

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is seeking a review of the medium density planning controls as Gosford Council looks to finalise its Draft Development Control Plan ahead of the gazettal of the Gosford Local Environment Plan 2013.

"The Chamber still has a number of concerns in relation to the accompanying Draft DCP which contains some pretty tough medium density guidelines that we believe will have a negative impact on development," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"Talks are ongoing with the Council in an attempt to have some of the tough planning controls reviewed so as to encourage medium density housing and provide more flexibility for designers and architects.

"Under the proposed DCP guidelines, development would face tougher setbacks, greater limits on height and lower density outcomes that run counter to the need to provide more housing choice and better use of medium density land.

"At a time when housing starts are low, bank finance is tough and housing stock is drying up, the last thing the industry needs is a medium density policy that lowers yields and discourages development," he said.

"We take considerable encouragement from the new general manager Paul Anderson's comments that Council is 'open for business' and take the view that a more flexible medium density policy will facilitate that outcome.

"The new regime in Council has clearly been a great outcome for the City of Gosford and we hope that this new attitude is reflected in practical planning policy changes," said Mr Wales.

Mr Wales backed Gosford Council's recommendation to request the city-wide draft LEP 2013 (formerly 2009) be gazetted by the NSW State Government.

"This process has taken an incredibly long time," said Mr Wales.

"However, sending the plan off to the Minister will finally implement the State Government's planning reform which seeks to standardise planning processes across the state.

"It will also give the building and development industry some certainty although the process does come with some reservations."

Media release, 20 Aug 2013

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce