Council sells laneway for Umina Mall

Gosford Council has taken the next step to facilitate the redevelopment of the Umina Mall shopping centre in Ocean Beach Rd.

It has decided to close an unnamed laneway across the site and sell the land to applicant for the redevelopment.

The sale price will be determined by Council's consulting valuer in accordance with Council's Land Transaction Policy.

The road closure proposal follows negotiations between Council and the applicant.

According to a Council staff report to last week's council meeting, "there are no planning reasons to oppose the closure, rather they would create a better outcome for this development".

The report also stated that Road Safety and Traffic Business Unit "has no objections to the proposal as it will reduce Council's liability for the maintenance of the lane ways".

The report said that the closure would allow for better use of the site when developed and allow for improved heavy vehicle access.

Council's Water and Sewer directorate had the proposed road closure, providing it complied with Council's Building Over Sewer Guidelines, including unrestricted 24 hour access to existing sewer manholes.

"If this cannot be achieved, then the developer may be required to relocate the existing Council sewer."

Council Agenda COR. 30, 1 Mar 2011