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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Pearl Beach DCP adopted

 

The Pearl Beach Development Control Plan (DCP), which was placed on exhibition last year, has been accepted by Gosford Council.

Submissions were sought on the DCP between November 28 last year and January 9 this year.

The council received a total of 316 submissions, 307 of these were in support of the DCP while nine of the submissions were opposed to the DCP.

Submissions in support of the DCP called for the preservation of the unique character and charm of the area.

The DCP was intended to provide clear and appropriate guidelines for approval of development applications, which would help retain the character of the area.

Building height restrictions and set-backs were an attempt to guard against over development in the area by insuring large houses could not be built on small lots.

The DCP was also intended to provide guidelines for consideration of environmental issues and protection of the natural surroundings.

Objectors to the DCP argued it would suppress the residents' rights to individuality in building design.

It was argued that new residents should not be forced to conform to the values of others through development restrictions for new homes.

A "beach front owners' group" did not want the DCP building restrictions on the grounds that there was a problem in applying one set of building controls to the whole area.

The group also disagreed with the large set backs which prohibited building on 30 per cent of each lot, as well as the restrictions put on options for architectural design, styles and materials.

Cr Lynne Bockholt told the Council meeting considering the plan: "I've been interested in this DCP for some time. In some places, this community has been ravaged by over-development.

"The response level is overwhelming, considering the size of the community.

"We're doing this 10 years late, but in my opinion, better late than never."

Council agenda EP.001, March 5