Council rejects new Umina Mall plans

Gosford Council has knocked back revised plans for the redevelopment of the Umina Mall shopping centre at the corner of Lone Pine Ave and Ocean Beach Rd.

However, it has invited the applicant "to enter into negotiations to investigate the closure and acquire the laneways to allow their incorporation in any future development application".

SJH Planning and Design had asked the council to review its previous refusal of its application to construct a commercial retail and residential development on lots including 357-363 Ocean Beach Rd, 10-14 Lone Pine Ave and 1-7 Poziers Ave, Umina.

In doing so, it submitted revised plans which reduced total floor area.

The general store was reduced from 1437 square metres to 1025 square metres, about 200 square metres larger than the current general store at Umina Mall.

The applicant claimed: "The refinements address the particular areas of concern in relation to the interface between this centre and the adjacent residential properties; the public domain; vehicular access and parking issues."

In addition to the general store, the redevelopment would include one building containing seven specialty shops including a liquor store and loading dock.

Another would consist of three specialty shops with offices, residences and medical centre above.

The project would see the demolition of existing shops and a number of houses in Pozieres Ave and the construction of a new car park.

A report on the revised plans by council staff stated that the applicant had addressed several issues, but two main concerns remained.

These were a shortfall in parking and potential conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.

"It is considered that noise issues have been generally addressed.

"However, truck reversing manoeuvres might cause some inconvenience.

"This could be addressed through a condition restricting times at which deliveries are made."

Cr Craig Doyle commented: "It's overdue for a facelift and the people there deserve better than what they've currently got."

Council Agenda ENV 69 4 Nov 2010