Three-storey unit plan opposed

Concerned residents have filed a petition containing 279 signatures in opposition to planned redevelopment of the land on the corner of Blackwall and Bowden Rd, Woy Woy.

Residents are concerned that the proposed development will not be in keeping with the character of the area as it will house 50 units within a three-story structure.

Developer and former Gosford mayor Mr Kim Margin said he is hoping to begin construction in 2006.

"My family have owned the site for 90 years, and we want to do justice to it," said Mr Margin.

"It's a residential zone, and we'd rather have homes there than factories."

The developers have committed half a million dollars to enhancement of the space, to ensure that the units meet environmental and architectural guidelines put in place by council.

Construction will be undertaken in a series of stages, with the first three units to be constructed early next year.

The development will be serviced by a single driveway, which will not be connected to the already congested Blackwall Rd.

The development will require the relocation of a number of businesses, most of which require a site that is industrially-zoned.

Many of the affected business operators are concerned at the lack of industrially-zoned space on the Peninsula.

"The lack of industrial space on the Peninsula is ridiculous," one business operator said.

"Building more shops is not helpful to those of us who need the industrial space."

Stuart Baumann, April 28