Planners criticise public comments

Gosford Council planners have strongly criticised public submissions and comments made about the draft Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy.

In a report for the council meeting tonight (Tuesday), they have criticised submissions that contained "visions" for talking in generalities and lacking costings.

They have criticised other submissions for being "based on preconceived ideas".

And they have criticised "public comments quoted in the local press" for creating misconceptions, which were the basis of a significant proportion of submissions received.

The report stated that the contents of submissions received provided no substantive basis for changes to the directions contained in the draft strategy, and the strategy "is therefore recommended for adoption by council."

The report claims that the visions contained with submissions talked in generalities, and did not address some practical issues relating to existing development, infrastructure and subdivision patterns.

They provided no indication of the type of populations likely to be generated and indicate no infrastructure costs, the report stated.

"A number of the submissions appear to be based on preconceived ideas or impressions, which indicate that people have not read the documentation provided which substantiates the strategy or do not wish to accept the findings of the research undertaken to support the strategy," the report stated.

The council report also alleged that "misconceptions were created through incorrect public comments quoted in the local press during the public consultation period, which were then reflected in the contents of a significant proportion of submissions received".

The report stated that one of these misconceptions was that the strategy would lead to more "high rise" development of the height of the Ettalong War Memorial Club and Resort.

"This is incorrect but the creation of this and other misconceptions was effective in generating submissions to the strategy."

The report claimed that PUDS provides for "economically and socially important population growth that can occur with minimal and cost-effective increases in the capacities of existing infrastructure over a 20-year period without adversely impacting upon the environment of the Peninsula."

"Additionally, the strategy facilitates town centre revitalisation and will result in better urban outcomes than are currently provided by existing residential flat buildings," the report stated," the report stated.

The PUDS document was placed on public exhibition for six weeks.

As a result of the exhibition process a total of 27 individual submissions and 39 pro-forma letters were received.

The report stated that "in relation to population growth, submissions varied from those that adopt a 'put up the gate' to more people approach, through to those that maintain that 'no restrictions' should apply to the future population of the Peninsula".

Council agenda ENV.44, October 4