The proposal would see the maximum building height from 11.5m (about three stories) increased to 17m (about five stories); and the floor space ratio increased from 1:1 to 1.75:1.

In issuing "gateway approval" on December 23, Department of Planning acting executive director Ms Sarah Lees said: "The planning proposal must be made publicly available for a minimum of 28 days" before June 1.

She said: "The planning proposal is to be updated prior to community consultation to discuss the proposed voluntary planning agreement in part three of the planning proposal.

"Consultation is required with the Biodiversity Conservation Division" about coastal protection and flooding.

In a planning assessment completed for the determination, the department revealed that the Local Planning Panel at its June meeting last year had recommended the site be developed as one consolidated lot with standards relating to minimum allotment size, minimum frontage and site consolidation included in the local environmental plan.

"The panel also suggested the proposed height of building and floor space ratio controls rely on detailed urban design controls to be developed in a future development control plan, which should preferably be exhibited with the planning proposal.

"Among others, the design controls should address issues, such as overshadowing of the beach, public open space and bushland in the area, view sharing to the water from other B2 Local Centre zoned land in the centre, building separation and setbacks.

"The panel further expressed support for the intention to prepare a planning agreement together with the planning proposal and for the consideration of public benefits (e.g. affordable housing, through-site links and public realm improvements along The Esplanade and Picnic Parade).

"The Department is satisfied Council has addressed the matters raised by the local planning panel," the assessment stated.

It stated: "The draft Central Coast Regional Plan has a strong focus on creating a 15-minute region made up of mixed-use neighbourhoods in various contexts, emphasis on infill approaches, prioritisation of walking, cycling and public transport in urban areas and town centres and reinforcing the importance of equity so that people have greater choice in where and how they live, how they travel and where and how they work.

"The planning proposal and site context contribute to the delivery of these aims by facilitating mixed uses in an existing local centre, creating employment and improving housing choice."

In a separate decision, the Department appears to have given gateway approval on October 20 to a planning proposal to rezone recreation land in Macleay Ave, Woy Woy, to R1 residential.

The Department's planning portal states: "The site adjoins other land zoned R1 and developed for medium density housing.

"The eastern part of the site will remain zoned RE1 and be dedicated to Council via a planning agreement."

However, the portal does not contain documents containing the gateway determination or the associated planning assessment.

SOURCE:

Website, 21 Jan 2022

Planning proposals, NSW planning portal

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