Medium density housing encouraged in strategy

Gosford Council will decide tomorrow (Tuesday, April 5) whether to adopt its draft Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy, which would encourage further medium density development on the Peninsula.

If adopted, the strategy will be placed on public exhibition for six weeks and public comment will be sought.

The strategy proposes changes to planning controls that are designed "to improve development potential for amalgamated lots, and to develop design templates to encourage alternative development types that provide quality design and cater for the future housing needs of the Peninsula".

However, the principal consultant for the strategy, Mr Brett Newbold, has predicted that, even with the proposed changes, population targets will not be met over the next 20 years.

In a report to Council about the strategy, Council staff have rejected the prediction, claiming "this position does not recognise that economic conditions will change over time to encourage amalgamation".

They stated that population growth from 1991 to 2001 "has aligned with Council's forecasts".

The strategy proposes "increasing the potential for town centre development" to encourage urban renewal of the centres.

It proposes "increased public transport use ... to relieve local traffic congestion".

It recommends new development types, such as garden apartments with basement car parking.

It claims such developments are economically viable, provide space for onsite drainage and replanting of vegetation, and improve urban design outcomes by providing vehicle access using existing rear laneways.

The strategy proposes a review of existing zonings, the preparation of revised development controls and a review of existing developer contribution plans that cover the Peninsula.

It also recommends "complementary transport and drainage projects".

The strategy aims to address "poor urban design of residential flat buildings, urban decay of commercial centres, inappropriate drainage methods, use of laneways, loss of substantial vegetation and road congestion".

It suggests possible "demographic futures, employment opportunities and development potential".

The strategy was prepared with funding of $95,000 from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources, as part of a plan to implement the "Shaping the Central Coast" project.

This followed concern expressed by the community during the preparation of "Shaping the Central Coast" about the nature of existing development and how the future development planned for the Peninsula could be sustainably accommodated.

The funding provided council with the opportunity to prepare the first comprehensive land use plan for the Woy Woy Peninsula since the early 1990's.

Existing State level strategic planning and work such as the Peninsula Economic Vision, the Urban Design Framework and Contributions Plan 31C were considered by the consultant in formulating the strategy.

Council agenda EP.27, April 5