Gym plans lack environmental detail, says submission

A proposal to build a two-storey $2.3 million gym at Club Umina has failed to provide adequate detail to assess its environmental impact, according to a submission to Central Coast Council.

The application did not state that the development was in close proximity to endangered bushland, nor did it disclose the effect on existing vegetation, the submission said.

The development application stated that all storm water would be gravity drained to the existing storm water system located in the public car parking area to the south of the site.

However, the submission said the storm water concept plans were not on public exhibition and this was of concern if water fed into Ettymalong billabong which was subject to the Kahibah Floodplain Management Plan.

"This catchment and the properties within it are already under undue flooding impacts from increased urban development.

"It would be much more appropriate for the storm water to be managed on site through filtration or storage for future watering of greens," it said.

"The current storm water pipes to the north of the development feed into the creek from Carawa St are currently not functioning as huge amounts of silt and rubbish is being delivered through the storm water drain into the creek.

"This drain is currently almost completely blocked by silt and rubbish.

"Council has been unable to rectify this despite at least 10 years of lobbying by the community.

"This development will only exacerbate this dysfunctional situation and the flooding impact on surrounding properties at the most critical times of high rainfall.

"It is not acceptable to channel drainage from commercial properties into endangered ecological community vegetation.

"I submit that an alternative to the proposed storm water management system that facilitates the transfer of storm water to the groundwater system be implemented."

The same submission also asked about the statements that there would be no effect on existing vegetation but that didn't take into account the proposed driveway across a nature strip into the council parking area which had a number of significant Banksia Serrata and Eucalyptus on it.

"As these are not shown on the plans, it is not clear if they will be impacted by the driveway construction or required sight lines for access and exit.

"There does not appear to be a need to have a vehicle exit at this side of the site and creating one would also require the reduction of public car parking spaces.

"I submit that this should be changed to a pedestrian gate to facilitate access and ensure the retention of important native vegetation. This would also improve the crime prevention aspects of the development."

The submission said the siting of the two-storey building would impact the mature trees in the scout hall side of the site as the canopy goes over both sites."

It asked that the assessing officer assess these mature trees and make sure the development does not impinge on their viability.

It went on to say a bowling green was being replaced by significant hard surface areas, thus increasing the heat island effect.

Significant native plantings should be provided as part of the development for shade, scenic quality and general amenity.

It said the applicant, Quattro Architecture, referred in its statement supporting the application to additional perimeter landscaping but no details were on exhibition.

"Neither does it refer to the fact that the site is in close proximity to the Umina Coastal Woodland and the Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplain endangered ecological communities.

"Species from these communities should be included in any landscaping to provide peripheral environmental sustainability support and to meet the requirements of the Development Control Plan.

Another submission said the plans for the development added 18 car spaces and asked for the designers to plant well advanced trees that offer shade to the visitors.

"In the heat of summer, returning to a car that has been baking in a hot asphalt car park is unpleasant and stressful especially if one is elderly or has young children in tow," the submission said.

"The heat that emanates from a hot car park needs to be offset with shady trees that reach a height of six to10 metres with a wide canopy.

"Let's be creative, forward thinking and prepared for increased temperatures that come with climate change."

The club submitted a proposal to council on August 14 and the concept was on public exhibition until September 5.

Club Umina has been contacted twice for comment.

SOURCE:

DA Tracker, 24 Sep 2019

DA 57058, Central Coast Council