It is only early stages, but the way looks clear to start planning a new Gwandalan Town Square and Village Green to cater for the growing population from new land releases in the area.
Central Coast Council will decide on its own Planning Proposal for the Town Centre, bounded by Parraweena Rd, Kanangra Dr and Summerland Rd, at it’s December 14 meeting.
It involves rezoning the land, partly owned by Council and by a private landholder, to B2 Local Centre, R1 General Residential and R2 Low Density Residential, to allow a mix of commercial and residential development.
A preliminary concept plan includes a supermarket and other retailers, a medical centre, child-care centre, service station, town square and village green, car parking and housing.
Council has adapted the original Planning Proposal to address some matters raised in consultation with other government departments and the community, with only one public submission being received.
The town square and village green will be in the B2 Local Centre zone, there will be a maximum building height to 11m and the intersection at Kanangra Dr and Summerland Rd will require upgrading.
There will be a transition between the environmental land and residential land, with setbacks, vegetation and screening, and a Biodiversity Report will be required for the overall proposed development.
Following endorsement of the Planning Proposal by Council, it will go to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to commence legal drafting and ensure that the plan is finalised by December 31.
The Gwandalan Centre plan then becomes a chapter in the Central Coast Development Control Plan.
Sue Murray