Progress association will oppose Patonga hotel plans

The Patonga Progress Association will oppose plans to expand the Patonga Hotel.

It has threatened to lodge an appeal in the Land and Environment Court if Gosford Council approves a development application for the expansion.

A public meeting was held on Saturday, January 23, at the Patonga Hall to discuss the Patonga Hotel Development Application that has been on public exhibition.

Ninety people attended the meeting and a number of speakers highlighted the negative impacts any expansion of the hotel would have on adjoining residents and the village of Patonga as a whole.

"The general mood of the people was one of worry and concern that problems experienced by residents since the hotel has opened will become worse if there is any expansion in size of the hotel," said Association spokesperson Ms Judy Singer, who attended the event.

Many objections to the DA were raised at the meeting including parking and traffic congestion, noise pollution, gambling concerns, and prohibited development issues.

Speakers said, that if the development was approved, the unique, natural beauty of Patonga would be spoiled.

"Before the hotel was opened in 2007, visitors would drive into Patonga and would be immediately greeted by the glorious, expansive view of Brisk Bay and Patonga Beach,

"However, numbers of visitors coming to attend the hotel have grown to such an extent that now, on arrival to Patonga, the view is totally obscured by parked cars," Ms Singer said.

"Both residents and visitors have to negotiate a dangerous traffic and pedestrian bottleneck in front of the hotel and residents fear an increase in the size of the hotel will only bring more cars and the congestion will continue to flow out into the neighbouring streets," she said.

Objections were also heard regarding the proposal to open a sports bar and cocktail bar incorporating bandstands, a TAB, and the potential to introduce poker machines with the ability of patrons to access gambling facilities in the hotel as residents are worried that the hotel will lose is family-friendly environment.

"The hotel is currently a family friendly local hotel where people feel they can go with their children without being exposed to gambling.

"It is widely accepted that social and domestic problems arise through problem gambling and addiction.

"Residents are concerned this may occur in our small community if gambling facilities are introduced at the Patonga Hotel."

A motion was carried at the meeting stating that the Patonga Beach Progress Association Inc would notify the Gosford Council in writing that if the development was approved then the Association would be lodging an appeal against it with the NSW Land and Environment Court.

A petition was signed by those in attendance asking the council to defer any decision on the DA until the council investigates the negative impacts identified by the community.

"The residents of Patonga expect the council officers and councillors to do their job thoroughly when they review this DA as there are many faults to be found with the information supplied by the applicant.

"For example, parking and traffic study data being relied upon was over 20 years old.

"Another obvious issue is the B1 zoning prohibits the use of this premises as a Function Centre, therefore the council would be derelict in their duty if they simply rubber stamped this DA without investigation."

Around 16 objections have been submitted on the council website and attendees were encourage to make their own submissions.

"I would advise residents to make a submission if they oppose the DA and also email, phone or write to the Gosford councillors asking them to oppose approving this development."

Media release, 23 Jan 2016

Media statement, 25 Jan 2016

Judy Singer, Patonga Beach Progress Association