I would like to correct some of the misinformation in the article entitled Toukley loses ice creamery to Newcastle published on January 25 (CCN423).
Council welcomes and supports small businesses operating across the Central Coast.
Council also works hard to assist business operators to meet their obligations under NSW legislation.
Around 18 months ago, Council provided advice to Duff’s Ice Cream that development consent from Council was required, in addition to notification to Council under the Food Act and approval from the NSW Food Authority for the manufacturing of ice cream.
The development consent was not sought.
Subsequently, Council received complaints about amenity and safety impacts of the operation, which was located in a residential area.
After providing Duff’s Ice Cream with extensive opportunities to address those concerns, we made the difficult decision to require the shipping container to be removed from the site.
Council looks forward to the business returning to the Central Coast with appropriate approvals to operate.
Email, Jan 31
Alice Howe, Director Environment and Planning, Central Coast Council