Councillors back Margin development

Gosford councillors have voted nine to one in favour of a development on the corner of Bowden Rd and Blackwall Rd at their meeting of December 13.

The proposal was for a residential flat building containing 50 units.

Applicant Mr Kim Margin, a former Gosford councillor, said that, following a recommendation for refusal by council, he and his family were grateful to the councillors for taking the time to evaluate the project.

"The councillors voted nine to one in favour of our project with no alterations," Mr Margin said.

"Our position here is close to Woy Woy, close to the shops, churches, pubs, medical centres and railway station.

"This location is recommended as three-storey garden apartments in the PUDS study."

Mr Margin said the development would have a single driveway onto Bowden Rd instead of multiple driveways onto Blackwall Rd.

"We expect 90 per cent of our customers to be existing locals," Mr Margin said.

"A good position, no house maintenance, lifts, high energy efficiency and the latest technology will make this project attractive to them.

"People wanting to downsize their housing needs and pocket the extra cash will benefit from settling themselves up to maintain their independence in the future.

"People get sick of having to get into their car every time they do something.

"From here it's only a walk to the railway station to visit Sydney for entertainment, a medical specialist or visit family."

Mr Margin said gardens and a high level of finish on the units would see the development set a new higher standard.

"The development pays $384,000 in new contributions for drainage and the water and sewage and for the new leisure centre," Mr Margin said.

"We have had artists Don and Fiona Neil design our art work, sculptures from some of our old soft drink machines.

"We have gone to a lot of trouble to tie the history of the site into the new development to give the new project a bit of soul."

"We intend on building the project ourselves and have engaged Frank Van Aalderen, vice-president of the Master Builder Association, to be our construction supervisor."

Mr Margin said he intended to build the development over a few yeas and would start the project this year.

Press release, Council agenda ENV.77, December 13 Kim Margin