Planning scepticism is increasing

I have provided a submission on the Draft Central Coast Regional Plan, advising that I am a long-term planning sceptic, supplying examples including the duplicity shown with the McDonalds development at Umina.

This development was approved in two stages: a rezoning, followed by a development assessment.

The rezoning application for McDonalds considered by councillors on August 2, 2011, included advice on Direction 5A Integrating Land Use and Transport.

That Direction included: improving access to housing, jobs and services by walking, cycling and public transport; increasing the choice of available transport and reducing dependence on cars; reducing travel demand including the number of trips generated by development and the distances travelled, especially by car; and supporting the efficient and viable operation of public transport.

The council said the Umina McDonald's planning proposal was consistent with this direction.

No advice on car parking and drive-through was given to councillors.

It appeared that the McDonalds Umina would set a new design standard, located on a major bus route.

Not so.

The development assessed by councillors on October 2, 2012, included advice on car parking and drive through.

Why was this advice included when rezoning was based on the use of public transport?

This is the planning process accepted by Gosford City Council and councillors.

Mr Paul Anderson, CEO of Gosford Council, has confirmed that the council is fiscally healthy.

If this is true, why is the council selling land, opposed vehemently by the community?

Planning scepticism is increasing.

Will there be 33-storey buildings on the Peninsula?

With a flexible regulatory environment, who will say no?

Letter, 3 Jan 2016

Norman Harris, Umina