Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Mr Scot MacDonald, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, appears to have endorsed planning variations of the scale requested in a major development proposed for Woy Woy.
The proposal to build a 27-unit three-storey block of flats and seven two-storey townhouses in place of four houses in Blackwall Rd exceeds planning guidelines by 8.2 per cent for height and 3.5 in floor space ratio. Mr MacDonald has told Save Our Woy Woy community group president Mr Harvey McDougall in a letter that “the planning system allows for such variations”.
“Under the New South Wales planning system, development of this scale and type is determined by local councils,” Mr MacDonald said.
“Before determining the development application, Central Coast Council will need to consider matters including the provisions of any environmental planning instrument or development control plan that applies to the land, the likely impacts of the development, and any submissions made during the public exhibition.
“The current local planning instrument applying to this land, Gosford Local Environment Plan 2014, permits multi-dwelling housing and residential flat buildings as proposed by the development application. “While the application proposes a variation to the height of the building and floor space ratio development standards, the planning system allows for such variations, subject to Council’s assessment against criteria set out in the Plan (clause 4.6). “A variety of housing choice is required to suit needs and lifestyles of the current and future population. “The Woy Woy area will continue to contribute to the region’s diverse housing needs particularly through the redevelopment of lots containing older housing stock. “Central Coast Council is best placed to respond to any specific questions on this development application and the planning controls for Woy Woy,” Mr MacDonald said.
SOURCE: Media statement, 21 Aug 2018 Harvey McDougall, Save Our Woy Woy