Multi-dwelling controls 'weak', says Panel chair
The chair of the Local Planning Panel, Mr Jason Perica, last week described Central Coast Council multi-dwelling planning controls as "weak".
He said that there was a disjunction between the controls and the intended character statements.
He said that there were a range of controls that should be in place to ameliorate the outcome while still permitting medium density.
He said there was no minimum lot size.
The 4.5 metre setback at the rear did not stipulate a portion of the dwelling being restricted to one storey, and there was no minimum site width.
Mr Perica qualified his criticism as "gratuitous statements" made on his own account "as a planner" and not on behalf of the Panel.
His comments came during consideration of an application for a two-storey "gun barrel" development at 31 Burrawang St, Ettalong, with three three-bedroom units.
Three community submissions had been heard objecting to the effects of the "gun barrel" proposal.
Mr Perica questioned the applicant's architect and council planner at some length about possible ways to improve the outcome of the development before making his comments.
His comments appear to at least partly echo a recommendation made by the Local Planning Panel to the council in November of last year.
It stated that Central Coast Council should consider conducting a strategic planning review of the planning controls, development provisions, and character statements for Umina, Woy Woy and Ettalong to ensure consistency.
A council project anticipated to do this has been abandoned, according to the Council's annual report, adopted at its November 28 meeting.
It states that the project scheduled to "develop and adopt a District Place Plan for the Peninsula and West Brisbane Water Social Planning Districts by 31 December 2023" had been "closed" in the second quarter ("Q2").
It was "unable to be delivered with available resources and other priorities".
The Panel's decision about the application for 31 Burrawang St, and the other application on the agenda for 22 Melba Rd, Woy Woy, is expected to be published later this week.
SOURCE:
Local Planning Panel, 7 Dec 2023
Reporter: Frank Wiffen