Foreshore proposal to increase building height
A planning proposal to increase the height and floor space ratio of buildings on the Ettalong foreshore is currently open for public comment.
If approved, the height of buildings permitted at 43-46 The Esplanade, Ettalong, will be increased by almost 50 per cent from 11.5 metres to 17 metres.
The floor space ratio would be increased by 75 per cent from 1:1 to 1.75: 1.
The proposal also includes changes to the council's Development Control Plan "to limit overshadowing of the beach and public open space, allow for view sharing, and provide a transition to lower density residential development".
A draft "voluntary planning agreement", which would provide "funding of public domain infrastructure works as a public benefit", which would be "additional to any applicable development contributions".
Central Coast Council will receive submissions about the proposal until November 21.
Local community groups, including the Peninsula Residents' Association and Residents for Responsible Ettalong Development (RRED), are encouraging residents to make submissions.
"The proposal is to increase the height limit to 17 metres to allow a five-storey building on this site," said RRED spokesperson Mr Peter Gillis.
"Some concept proposals have been developed, and the council is now accepting feedback from the public on this change.
"Many local groups oppose this change for a variety of reasons.
"With the recent flurry of large development approvals, Ettalong does not have the infrastructure to cope with the increased demand.
"The foreshore is environmentally delicate and constantly eroding very close to this site.
"There is no public appetite for council to take on a Wamberal situation, where council becomes liable for approved development requiring foreshore remediation."
Mr Gillis said a petition of 1937 signatories opposing this proposal was presented by Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Adam Crouch, to the Minister for Planning at the time Mr Rob Stokes.
"The Gateway process was still approved.
"Now, almost a year later the public will have a chance to have their say," said Mr Gillis.
"It is disappointing that council are only allowing feedback for 28 days on such a large change to the Ettalong foreshore.
"Changes of this magnitude should be open for a longer period such as 90 days."
Mr Gillis said his group had prepared information for residents on how to submit their comments and what to include.
The document could be found at http://bit.do/ettalongbeach.
Submissions should be made to the council's general manager Mr David Farmer by 5pm on November 21.
They may be made by online submission, by email to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by post to PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259.
SOURCE:
Website, 24 Oct 2022
YourVoiceOurCoast, Central Coast Council
Media release, 11 Nov 2022
Peter Gillis, RRED