Objections may trigger council consideration

Development applications facing large numbers of objections will have be considered at a Central Coast Council meeting, if administrator Mr Ian Reynolds decides to adopt a new policy.

"I want to emphasise it doesn't change the planning rules," Mr Reynolds said when introducing the proposal to the July 27 ordinary meeting of the Central Coast Council.

The proposal, which states that development applications that attract more than 100 submissions will be referred to a council meeting, will be on public exhibition from August 10.

This process is based on the former Wyong Council's policy.

Petitions are not included as part of the 100 submissions.

Mr Reynolds said: "Members of the community have approached me seeking clarification on when development applications will be determined by me as the governing body of council and when development applications might be determined by council staff under delegation.

"The request for clarity is entirely appropriate, as the two former councils had different approaches to the issue," he said.

"I want to ensure that there is a clear and transparent policy governing when development applications must come to the governing body of council," he said.

However the policy would have two exemptions.

An application would not be referred where it was recommended for refusal or where "sufficient changes had been made to the proposal to adequately address issues raised by the community".

Applications with fewer than 100 public submissions may be determined by staff under delegated authority.

Mr Reynolds may also call up an application at any time for consideration at a formal council meeting.

Any person making an objection would be advised of the decision whether the decision is made under delegated authority or by Council.

"This is about adopting one uniform approach so the community is clear about the process," Mr Reynolds said.

"I welcome comment from the community on this proposal to introduce uniform guidelines and indeed all development applications.

"This is not a fait accompli - I am genuinely interested to hear what the community has to say about the draft policy.

"A report will come to a meeting in September 2016 when a decision will be made as to the policy to be adopted," Mr Reynolds said.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 requires that all development applications, whether determined by the governing body of the council or under delegation, be carefully considered, the administrator's minute on the matter explained.

The Act, amongst other things, prescribes that the matters that must be considered includes submissions received by council.

"Public consultation is a requirement under that Act," he said.

Media release, 27 Jul 2016

Central Coast Council media

Central Coast Council agenda 1.6, 27 Jul 2016

Email, 29 Jul 2016

Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council

Reporter: Jackie Pearson