Strategic review is dropped from consultation program
A strategic planning review of the Peninsula is no longer part of Central Coast Council's community consultation program.
Administrator Mr Rik Hart adopted a Community Engagement Plan at the Council meeting of August 22, which does not list the review as occurring before July next year.
The review, called the Peninsula Place Plan, was scheduled to be drafted by June this year and adopted by the end of this year, according to the Council's 2022-2025 "Delivery Plan".
The Local Planning Panel called for such a strategic planning review of the Peninsula at its November meeting last year.
The Panel recommended "Central Coast Council consider conducting a strategic planning review of the planning controls, development provisions and character statements for Umina, Woy Woy and Ettalong."
It stated the review should "ensure there is consistency between the relevant controls, provisions and character statements applicable to each locality, and a clear direction and expectation on the desired future character of these suburbs".
The Panel appeared to be concerned that the planning provisions did not seem to support character statement objectives, which protected trees and encouraged "leafy gardens".
Many resident submissions to the Panel have highlighted the shortcomings of the planning provisions to retain or encourage tree planting.
Setbacks, deep soil zones, open space and permitted non-compliance are frequently criticised by residents as inadequate to the purpose.
SOURCE:
Central Coast Council agenda 2.11, 22 Aug 2023