<< Peninsula News 17 December 2002 - Council looks for new open space>>

Council looks for new open space

Gosford Council voted last week to retain the concept of acquiring land for open space on the Peninsula, but leaving out reference to acquiring private houses.

A report from council officers stated that "on the Peninsula, an example of such land could be Woy Woy Depot and Woy Woy Tip".

It is unclear whether the Peninsula Open Space Contributions Plan, which is currently on exhibition for public comment until December 18, will be re-exhibited with the change.

Plans to acquire up to 140 houses on the Peninsula under the Gosford Council's Peninsula Open Space and Recreation plan were scrapped at a council meeting a week earlier.

The decision came after continued pressure from residents who did not wish to sell their houses to the council.

Residents had also claimed their property values would be adversely affected by such a plan.

Prior to the decision being made, Cr Daniel Cook said: "Can't we set these resident's minds at ease and let them know that their homes aren't going to be taken off them?

"Some of these residents have been there for four generations," Cr Cook said.

Cr Tony Sansom said: "The council should take no further action in acquiring these people's homes which have been earmarked and the effected residents who are here tonight need to be told this."

Councillors then voted unanimously to scrap the plan.

A report was requested from staff on how other open space might be gained on the Peninsula.

Ms Vicky Rixom, owner of one of the affected properties, said: "We were very pleased, but I really don't think I will be entirely happy until I receive a letter from council stating that the proposal for acquisition of the land has been completely scrapped."

The decision was described as a win for commonsense by Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews.

"Thank goodness councillors have at last realised the enormous toll which the proposal for land acquisition was having upon the health and well being of the hundreds of local residents effected by the plan.

"I have no doubts that the unity shown by the local residents in their strong determination to defeat this outrageous proposal paid off at the end of the day,"' Ms Andrews said.

Council agendas NM.023, December 3, EP.077, December 10