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Legal advice sought on Patonga store

Gosford Council is seeking legal advice about redevelopment of the Patonga Store site.

The council was told its heritage committee had received a letter from a local resident bringing "the committee's attention to the demolition of the heritage item Patonga Store".

Council's development assessment unit had received a proposal to demolish the heritage-listed item and council was awaiting legal advice.

Under section 45c, owners of heritage-listed items are allowed to build another business on that land to support the heritage-listed item.

In the case of the Patonga general store, most of the general store had been removed due to poor foundations, white ants and concrete cancer, leaving only the heritage listed façade standing.

Council consented to the erection of a tavern on the site to support the heritage listed item.

Council development assessment unit manager Mr Gary Lofts said that the issue was a grey area.

"Council is very aware of this matter, and we are currently in discussion with our solicitor as to whether consent still exists if the heritage item is removed."

Committee members have planned to make individual site inspections.

Council agenda, EH/05/2, May 3