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IOOF plans knocked back

 

Gosford Council officers, using delegated authority, have refused to support redevelopment plans by the owners of IOOF retirement village in Springwood Ave, Ettalong.

"The owner wanted to replace the present low density buildings with a SEPP 5 (aged accommodation) development consisting of 11 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom units, all two storey," according to Cr Lynne Bockholt.

Grounds for the refusal included the design being contrary to SEPP 5 provisions and incompatible with the surrounding area, lack of a social impact statement and the loss of affordable housing in the area.

Cr Bockholt said the applicant did not submit a social impact study including what their intentions were towards the existing residents.

"Did they intend to offer the residents accommodation in the new development or offer them suitable alternative accommodation?

"These vital issues were not addressed in the application."

She said that the development was "obviously not a true SEPP 5 development".

"For example, the bathrooms, showers, toilets and laundries were not suitable for people with disabilities or the frail aged.

"The distance to basic services is well over the 400m required by SEPP 5.

"Parking was mainly stacked parking which is unsuitable."

Cr Bockholt said she was "delighted by this refusal".

"It proves, once again, that Council is serious in its determination to preserve affordable housing for people on low incomes," she said.

"Currently this site is home to a number of low income pensioners who have been stressed beyond belief over the threat to their homes.

"In these days of rising property prices, it is vital that those on low and fixed incomes continue to have access to low-cost accommodation.

"A majority of Gosford councillors have proved in the past their determination to retain as much low cost housing as possible.

"Currently councillors are moving to ensure that mobile home parks and villages are not rezoned to enable medium density developments, which would eliminate low income earners from these sites.

"The residents of the IOOF village at Ettalong have been treated disgracefully by the village owners and this refusal is a victory for them."

Cr Bockholt urged the owners to fill the existing nine single and five double units plus the two houses which remained vacant and allow the residents to "get on with their lives in peace".

Lynne Bockholt, October 10