Medium density plan will change local character forever

The Peninsula News edition 472 raises Central Coast Council's plan for a one kilometre radius around Woy Woy to be designated medium density residential.

The built form will be a low to medium rise development with a focus on town houses and villa development.

Under the Department of Planning's definition of medium density housing, this could mean dual occupancies, manor houses (buildings of between two to four dwellings) and multi dwellings houses (terraces, town houses and villas).

Under the code, certain types of medium density housing would be classified as "complying development", making it much easier for landowners and developers to gain development approval, but the code will apply only in areas where medium density housing is allowed under planning laws developed by councils.

The NSW Planning department imposed this medium density housing proposal on all councils with a July 1 deadline.

Both Save our Suburbs, a Sydney based organization, and Chris Johnson, the chief executive of the Urban Taskforce, have come out in opposition to this planning approach, on the basis it will result in widespread change to the character of our suburbs and in our case on the Central Coast, of our towns and villages.

The NSW Government is advocating for a medium density of low-rise but bulky, multi-density housing inserted extensively.

I believe that the proliferation of medium-density, low-rise dwellings will generate more car congestion and will forever change the local character.

It may be a one kilometre radius today, but it may be extended further in the future.

Woy Woy is at risk of being transformed by medium density housing, losing its village appeal and tourist attraction.

I am concerned about the potential loss of the distinctive and variable architectural character of our houses and our gardens.

The pause button needs to be pushed on Central Coast rezoning.

Sydney is facing a glut of apartments.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald (June 11) about 54,000 apartments built between 2018 and 2019 are about to flood the market and this, combined with low buyer and tenant activity, will lead to an oversupply of units.

It also (June 22-23, 2019) reported that another 140,000 will be built in the next five years.

While Central Coast Council would like to see more working opportunities, providing key services to surrounding communities, the reality is that now and for the foreseeable future, most Woy Woy residents commute to Sydney for employment.

Email, 1 Jul 2019

Suraya Coorey, Woy Woy