Peninsula may have 3500 illegal homes

Gosford Council has admitted that there may be as many as 3500 illegal backyard homes on the Peninsula.

Council's manager of education and compliance Mr John Parkes said he could not confirm the figure provided to Peninsula News by local real estate agents.

"Realistically we have no idea," he said.

"Council is aware of the high number of properties in the Gosford Local Government Area with unauthorised additional dwellings whether that is unapproved conversions to existing houses or stand alone dwellings such as granny flats," Mr Parkes said.

"Unfortunately the problem has grown over the years but I wouldn't try and put a number on how many there are."

Mr Parkes encouraged local property owners with an unauthorised additional dwelling to seek development consent.

The situation came to light after the Council recently received publicity while attempting to evict a woman who had converted a backyard garage into a home.

Mr Parkes said when council was advised of an unauthorised structure by staff or community members it was obliged to investigate.

"After an initial inspection of the site is carried out and the structure is deemed to be unauthorised, council officers serve a notice of intention for the building to be vacated or reconverted to its original use if permitted.

"The owner has the option of complying or can seek to lodge a development application to regularise use of the premise.

"It is likely if the structure is well-built and follows amenity and construction requirements council can consider approving the dwelling.

"In some cases a seven year building certificate can be issued when a structure has been approved by council but the authorised dwelling is not being used as stated in the development application.

"For example, council approved a garage to be built but it has been used as an additional dwelling."

Mr Parkes said he understood the angst of property owners who had an unauthorised dwelling but said council was willing to work together to see a suitable outcome.

"The fear of the unknown and the potential outcome of having an unauthorised dwelling demolished is a reasonable issue for property owners," Mr Parkes said.

"However, the NSW Government's new State Environmental Planning Policy on Affordable Housing encourages additional dwellings in order to meet the needs of our growing population.

"This is an effective policy in assisting younger generations and disadvantaged people to find affordable homes.

"But the policy cannot be effective if the additional dwelling is not well built in the first place.

"Council will continue to deal with individual unauthorised additional dwellings as they are brought to our attention."

Clare Graham, 16 Feb 2010 Interview: John Parkes, Gosford Council