CEN joins calls to reject Tesrol

The Central Coast's Community Environment Network has joined calls for the Tesrol development at Ettalong Beach to be rejected.

"Gosford Councillors have recently shocked the community by deciding to prolong consideration of two developments far exceeding planning guidelines," according to a statement from the Network.

"A development application by Tesrol Holdings for a nine-storey mixed residential (89 units) and commercial premises on The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, was considered.

"The proposal is on the site of the existing car park opposite the Outrigger Resort.

"Council staff had recommended refusal for several reasons.

"Reasons for refusal were that the development was inconsistent with the objectives of the zoning and inconsistent with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development."

The total floor space of all buildings is a 285 per cent increase above the allowable development guidelines.

Central Coast Design Review Panel (SEPP 65) recommended refusal of the application, the Network stated.

Council officers also stated that it did not comply with the Draft Peninsula Urban Design Strategy and that the development was considered inconsistent with Sate Environmental Planning Policy No 71 - Coastal Protection.

"At the council meeting the proponent was asked if he had been advised by staff that he should seek a rezoning (rather then submit a DA seeking minor adjustments)," the statement claimed.

"This is significant as a rezoning requires approval by the Minister.

"He acknowledged he had been advised however decided not to do so.

"A majority of councillors again ignored staff recommendations and voted to defer the item.

"The vote was carried 5 to 4 (1 councillor was absent)."

The other development application was for construction of six separate buildings of varying heights in Dwyer St, North Gosford, which staff had also recommended for refusal.

Press release, March 8 CEN News