Study planned for Umina laneway

Gosford Council has resolved to undertake a study on the laneway between West St and The Esplanande, Umina, as part of its decision to grant an application for a three-storey residential flat building.

The study will be conducted to address issues of drainage, road construction and the possible implementation of a one-way traffic system.

The building, consisting of 16 medium and nine large units on "Business" zoned land, was granted approval at Gosford Council's meeting of February 8.

Mayor Cr Malcolm Brooks said he was concerned with the development, saying that the Central Coast was losing commercial and industrial zoned areas to residential buildings.

"Although building a residential apartment may provide jobs at the time, commercial properties would provide continuous jobs," Cr Brooks said.

Cr Chris Holstein has also requested, as a condition of consent, that a tree on the southern boundary of the site be preserved, and precautions taken not to damage it during construction.

The original application for the site was refused by council on February 13, 2002.

Lyle Stone, February 17 Council agenda DH.15, February 1