West St development of concern

In regards to the West St development article in Peninsula News edition 461, I am concerned that supporters of this development application seek Council approval despite it being outside floor space and height requirements for the area.

Supporters of the application argue the need for more intensive development in the area for commercial opportunity to be enhanced.

It is worth consideration that the village seaside ambience of the precinct is a valuable commercial advantage which attracts visitors and homemakers.

Inadequate parking in Umina has been an unresolved issue for some time and has been pressured by new development in recent years.

The amenity of an area is a public good which ought not be inappropriately exploited by commercial interests and needs to be protected by local government.

I support Cr Jane Smith in her call for non-complying applications to be rejected by Council (PN 461).

It is to be hoped that the apparently inappropriate development inflicted on Sydney not be imported to the Peninsula.

I urge Council to reject the proposal.

Email, Jan 16

Pete Newman, Umina