Character statement review not before next year
A review of planning "character statements" applying to the Peninsula is not likely to occur before the end of the year, according to staff notes in an attachment to this week's Central Coast Council agenda.
Character statements are used to assess whether a proposed development "is compatible with the desired future character of the zone" as required by the planning provisions.
The staff comment was in response to a public submission for the Draft Operational Plan about the development of local character statements.
The staff member claimed: "The value that the community place on the character of their area and the role it plays in the creation of neighbourhoods and the identity of places is fully recognised by Council."
The comment stated that character statements had not been prepared for former Wyong Shire area and that would start this year.
"Once these have been completed", the "former Gosford" character statements would be reviewed "to update them and bring them into line with the new State Government legislation and requirements".
"It is considered that community participation is essential to ensure that character is planned for and consistent with the community's view of the desired future character of their area.
"The community is encouraged to be involved in the preparation of the local character statements and to tell us what they see as important to the character of individual areas throughout the Central Coast.
"A comprehensive community consultation plan will be prepared as part of the process and interest and community groups will be invited to participate," the staff notes said.
The notes said: "The NSW Government is amending planning controls across NSW to allow for better consideration of local character within the strategic planning and detailed planning for our areas.
"Councils are being encouraged to prepare Local Character Statements to further support this process.
"Information about this can be found at https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Local-Character."
SOURCE:
Central Coast Council agenda 2.1, 29 Jun 2021