A planning proposal for a residential subdivision in Forresters Beach is now open for public comment.
Plans are to rezone the triangular site on the urban fringe between 137-145 Bakali Rd and 925-993 Central Coast Highway for low density housing, with a portion of wetland vegetation zoned for environmental conservation and another section dedicated to Central Coast Council for a public park.
Besides rezoning, the Planning Proposal includes other matters such as building height and minimum lot size.
It is a similar proposal to that originally considered by the former Gosford City Council in 2013 and amended by Central Coast Council in 2019, before being withdrawn by the applicant in November 2020.
The withdrawal was in response to a direction from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment requiring all planning proposals over four years old to be determined by December 31, 2020.
As Council could not determine this proposal by that date the applicant withdrew and submitted this current proposal.
The main issues to be resolved are: the upgrading of Central Coast Highway to four lanes by Transport for NSW and whether direct access to the site from the highway is feasible, or access at Bakali Rd; a planning agreement for the dedication of land to Council for a local park; and protection of the wetland with a Vegetation Management Plan.
The Planning Proposal was considered by the Local Planning Panel in April 2021 and was supported in principle.
The Planning Proposal and other relevant documents will be on public exhibition until June 24 on Council’s website or at the Wyong Administrative Office.
Council will consider submissions and review the Planning Proposal at a future Council meeting.
Sue Murray