Housing strategy aims for 25 per cent increase
The Central Coast Local Housing Strategy Discussion Paper says that the aim of the housing strategy is to accommodate a 25 per cent increase in the number of dwellings.
"It is projected the Central Coast will need 199,150 dwellings by 2036, an additional 41,500 dwellings above 2016."
It notes: "The draft Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 includes statements in relation to higher population density targets than previously included in the current plan, or this discussion paper."
The paper says that the Local Housing Strategy is being prepared "to support the goals" of the Local Strategic Planning Statement which "emphasises housing growth being focused in areas with high levels of liveability and occurring in a way that reinforces lifestyle and amenity in the region" and of the Community Strategy Plan which "nominates access to services, housing affordability, diversity and choice as key indicators of community wellbeing".
As well as the 14-page discussion paper, the council has released a 162-page Existing Conditions Report that "details the current state of population and housing on the Central Coast and projected housing needs for the future".
Although not mentioning the Peninsula, the discussion paper acknowledges: "The region has consisted of smaller communities distributed in clusters, some of which have grown over the years into more contiguous conurbations, while others have remained discrete, offering a 'small town' lifestyle."
It states: "Areas with higher levels of disadvantage are concentrated in populated centres like ... Woy Woy.
"Rental vacancies on the Central Coast are at an all time low and social housing has wait periods exceeding 10 years.
"Modelling indicates that low income Central Coast households would be largely priced out of the Central Coast housing market."
The discussion paper states: "The Central Coast continues to have greenfield housing capacity in the northern release areas, with further capacity for infill development around existing centres.
"The many natural constraints of the land on the Central Coast mean that there is a finite volume of land suitable for additional housing, mostly located in the north."
Feedback will be accepted by Central Coast Council until February 28.
SOURCE:
Website, 1 Feb 2022
Draft Local Housing Strategy, OurVoiceYourCoast