Waterfront DCP not final yet

In Gosford Council's meeting on Tuesday, February 8, councillors unanimously voted to pass a development application for a waterfront reserve property in Burge Rd, Woy Woy.

The approval sets a precedent for waterfront properties and reserves to extend two-storey dwellings at the previously relevant 10-metre building line setback with a single storey addition to the six metre building line.

Alternatively, single storey dwellings at the six metre building line can be extended with a second storey at the 10 metre building line.

With this new interpretation of DCP 155, Council overhauls its long-established practice of a general building line set back of 10 metres for two storey development applications and six metres for single storey applications.

Even though council staff confirmed that the current DCP has not changed and could always be interpreted in this way, developments in past years had to observe the six and 10 metre rule.

The deciding factor in the past was that the proposed dwelling looked "substantially" like a single or double storey house from its waterfront aspect.

The past and current definition is that "the building line should be taken from the foremost point of the building whether a patio, steps or supporting post".

Director for development and health Ms Colleen Worthy-Jennings argued, on the site inspection in Burge Rd, that this definition relates only to a single or double storey portion of a dwelling, meaning that for the single-storey part a different "foremost point" should be taken.

It seems to be unclear to council staff, how many "foremost points" a building can have.

The new interpretation will be incorporated as an amendment into the DCP.

A discussion paper (DH10) is currently on public exhibition.

Council staff explained that the new DCP will only clarify council's building line policy. Council invites public comment.

The reinterpretation of DCP 155 will have the potential for more building activity on our foreshores and will eliminate advantages like better views for single storey buildings.

Cr Terri Latella, of the Greens party, supporting this change in policy, defended her decision on Tuesday, saying that she feels that she has to support council staff.

Is this the new green policy?

Cr Vicki Scott made the application to support the application, ignoring nine separate inconsistencies with the DCP.

All of the long-standing councillors kept to themselves after an engaged speech from Karin Solondz.

No questions were asked.

The new DCP is not finalized yet.

Norbert Solondz, Woy Woy