Killcare fence decision deferred

Central Coast Council has deferred a decision about a controversial solid fence along Wards Hill Rd, Killcare, at its last meeting for 2018 on Monday, December 10.

Mayor Cr Jane Smith called for the item to be deferred as it was "requested by a number of residents who were unable to be at the meeting".

"The fence is already in place, so there is no legal reason we are not able to defer," Cr Smith said.

"It is about giving the objectors the opportunity to come and raise their concerns," she said.

The mayor said both the applicant, Central Coast property developer and owner of the Gosford Classic Car Museum Mr Tony Denny, and residents had been contacted to advise them of her intention to move for deferral.

Several Councillors asked why the matter of a $4350 steel panel fence was of such importance that it needed to be deferred.

Local ward councillor Troy Marquart seconded an amendment moved by Cr Greg Best to approve the recommendation put forward by staff, which was to grant consent subject to conditions.

"What can you say to a fence?" Cr Best asked.

"I have been 20 years in this joint.

"I have never seen a fence dragged into this chamber," he said.

"Listen to the staff recommendation.

"That is what you employ them for.

"Let's just do it tonight and be done with it."

The amendment was put to the vote and lost and Cr Smith's motion for deferral was carried.

A planning consultant spoke at the community forum held before the official Council meeting, on behalf of Mr Denny.

He said Mr Denny had agreed to conditions imposed by Council including a minimum two-metre setback from the front boundary and extensive screening and landscaping.

"The Development Control Plan clearly allows solid fences if set back a minimum of 1.5m from the boundary, and these proposals are consistent with relevant chapters of the DCP and with the Character sections," he said.

Mr Denny's consultant also argued the fence was "consistent with the character of the surrounding area".

"It is evident there is no consistent or dominant fencing type along Wards Hill Rd," he said.

"The one consistent characteristic is landscape vegetation and the proposed vegetation will continue that."

SOURCE:

Central Coast Council agenda 3.4, 10 Dec 2018

Reporter: Jackie Pearson