Mitre 10 development approved

Umina Mitre 10's development application has been approved after Gosford Council received 1409 signatures in support.
Three objections were also received.
The rezoning request was originally turned down in October last year.
Council's director of development and the environment, Mr John Murray, said the original proposal would result in an ad-hoc expansion of the Umina central business district (CBD) and impact adversely on adjoining residential properties.
The new application came before Council after a site inspection by councillors and the insertion of an enabling clause that retained the current zoning. This allowed the requested work at the hardware store and avoided incremental expansion of the CBD.
"This would result in a consistent zone boundary between commercial activities associated with commercial activities and adjoining residential land," said Mr Murray.
Mitre 10 wanted the original rezoning to allow future business expansion and car parking facilities at the store.
David Kettle Consulting Services, acting on behalf of the owners, said that the rezoning was needed for the store to remain competitive with other Peninsula hardware outlets.
The consultants said this would allow the business to improve efficiency, have more storage and display areas, and improve on-site car parking.
They also said the rezoning would improve traffic flows because more vehicles would be parked on-site, and also would contribute to the overall economic viability of Umina.
The proposal included provisions for acoustic fencing and landscaping to minimise effects on nearby residents.
Mr Murray recommended support for the new proposal.