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On 24 April, Council finally adopted the Nelson Bay Town Centre and Foreshore Strategy which has been a work in progress for more than 5 years. When implemented through the LEP and DCP it will guide the future development of the town centre and foreshore. TRRA welcomes many aspects of the Strategy but is bitterly disappointed that a majority of Councillors chose to ignore a clear community consensus on appropriate height limits.
While APEX Park is protected, and there is a welcome limitation to 3 storeys on the marina and most of the foreshore, the Strategy leaves open the prospect of significant height increases elsewhere – up to 6 storeys on the Fishermen’s Co-op site, 7 storeys in all of the town centre south to Dowling St, and 9 storeys on the Clubs sites south of Dowling. A comparison of existing and new controls is HERE, and our media release HERE.
East Ward Councillor Frank Ward moved an amendment to limit heights, but was supported only by John Nell from East Ward and by Geoff Dingle and Shirley O’Brien from Central Ward. Councillors Dover and Westbury voted with the majority to allow the increased height limits, including an extra half metre per storey, which were introduced at the last minute.
TRRA accepts that the democratic process has concluded on this issue, but will be vigilant that the detailed planning instruments, and Council’s decisions on future DAs, do actually deliver the design excellence and public benefit that are a condition of an extra 2 storeys in most of the town centre.
Many other aspects of the Strategy, including for traffic management, parking, landscaping, signage and detailed design requirements are fully supported by TRRA and we look forward to significant improvements now that there is a settled plan and vision for this all-important heart of the peninsula.
