Association objects to Killcare Heights fencing

The Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association has objected to the proposed fencing of a property on Wards Hill Rd, Killcare Heights.

It is proposed to erect a 50m colourbond fence on the southern side of the property.

Association president Ms Peta Colebatch said that there was also another 90 metres of fencing on the northern side of the property entrance that was "unlawful and subject of an entirely separate building application".

"The core issue here is the Development Control Plan 2013 Character Statement for this area of Killcare Heights specifying "Scenic Buffers Desired".

"This section states clearly: 'Maintain the informal character of existing semi-rural hillsides by avoiding tall retaining walls, extensive terraces or broad driveways that would be visible from any road or nearby property, and provide boundary fences that are see through such as traditional post-and-rail designs'.

"The Bouddi Peninsula is a very special place, as celebrated in the book, The Bouddi Peninsula A Very Special Place, as recognised in the early 1900's by Marie Byles, campaigning successfully for the establishment of the National Park, the core of Bouddi's character, and as exemplified by its artists, Russell Drysdale and John Bell and many others," Ms Colebatch said.

"This special place, this character has been embedded in our character statements by experts, such as prominent local architect, Bruce Lay, who understood the need to preserve that special character.

"The existing illegal fence and the subject DA54624 fence, are diametrically opposed to that character.

"The character of this place is scenic.

"It is open. It is welcoming.

"A wall, a steel curtain, whether painted or screened by shrubs remains a wall, a barrier and the total antithesis of that character," Ms Colebatch said.

The Association's submission to the Council stated: "Council is urged to enforce the compliance requirements of its own LEP and DCP and reject this DA proposal.

"Council is urged to reject the parallel application for a Building Certificate for the northern portion of this fence.

"Council is further urged to progress a demolition order on the entire fence as unlawfully constructed, and invite the owner to submit a compliant design for future consideration."

Members of the Association are also urging other residents of the area opposed to the DA to make their own submissions to Central Coast Council.

Interested residents may contact the association for more information regarding the DA, how to make a submission and for an outline on the history of the disputed fencing.

SOURCE:

Email, 13 Sep 2018

Document, 13, Sep 2018

Peta Colebatch, WTKCA