Planning controls are being taken away

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[Forum] Classifying any development above $75m as state significant development, is taking planning controls away from the democratically elected local Central Coast Council and transferring that control to unnamed bureaucrats and the Minister for Planning.

Classifying development between $10m and $75m to be assessed by the Department of Planning and determined by the Minister or Independent Planning Commission, is also taking planning controls away from the democratically elected local Central Coast Council. Council is the best place to make local planning decisions not State Government bureaucrats. Why are some locations, such as Key Site 1, which is over 5,600 square metres, allowed to provide off-site parking rather than ensuring any proposed development provides adequate on-site parking.

The DCP has no limit on the number of storeys in some locations. Buildings could be 30 or more storeys in height. Key views appear to favour developers rather than implement sound planning principles. Sight lines should be added from additional points, such as from the Jetty and launch ramp at the South end of Dane Dr, to Mount Mowat.

Email, Sep 20 Frank Long, Gosford