Resident groups on the Peninsula are furious that Central Coast Council allowed only 28 days for submissions on a planning proposal to change foreshore height limits at Ettalong Beach, saying a plan of such magnitude warrants a longer exhibition period.
The proposal calls for a change to the foreshore height limit from three to five storeys to make way for a project at 43-46 The Esplanade.
The Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (CCLEP) sets a height limit of 11.5m, with the proposal set to increase that limit to 17m.
The proposal would also see Floor Space Ration (FSR) increased from 1:1 to 1.75:1.
Planned for the waterfront site is a five-storey development providing u to 38 residential units and commercial space, with basement parking for 66 vehicles.
The planning proposal was given the green light by the Local Planning Panel (LPP) in June last year, with Council forwarding it to the State Government requesting a Gateway Determination.
That determination was issued by the Department of Planning and Environment last December.
The Peninsula Residents Association (PRA) and the Residents for Responsible Ettalong Development (RRED) are firmly against the move.
RRED spokesperson Peter Gillis said with a recent flurry of large DA approvals, Ettalong does not have the infrastructure to cope with the increased demand.
“The foreshore is environmentally delicate and constantly eroding very close to this site, and there is no public appetite for Council to take on a Wamberal situation, where Council becomes liable for approved development requiring foreshore remediation,” he said.
Gillis said the Gateway determination was approved despite a petition of containing 1,937 signatures being lodged.
“It is disappointing that Council (allowed) feedback for (only) 28 days on such a large change to the Ettalong foreshore,” he said.
“Changes of this magnitude should be open for a longer period such as 90 days.”
RRED is also concerned at how shadows caused by the development will impact business, saying they will fall across the Atlantis, some of the Mantra, across the road, and along the beach front from 11 am for most of the year.
A spokesperson said Council was unable to grant an extension for submissions, with the 28-day timeframe set by the Department of Planning in their Gateway decision.
“The new planning proposal framework has strict timeframes that councils must adhere to,” the spokesperson said.
“However … while (submissions must be lodged) by November 21, Council will allow submitters to provide further information to be added to the submission until mid-January – before the date when Council will be considering the matter.”
Terry Collins
Click to access information
Residents for Responsible Ettalong Development background paper
this is so unnecessary and will be the death knell for Ettalong Beach. We don’t want any more of these half empty buildings, blocking the scenery, the sunlight and creating wind tunnels. This is a peaceful village, not the Entrance or the tacky Gold Coast. please stop. We live here, the council do not!