DAs In Play 9/11/21-20/12/21

The CPPA endeavours to provide a summary of active applications in our area as outlined in the table.

Please consult LMCC’s website for a full listing: https://www.lakemac.com.au/Development/Planning-and-development-services/Application-Enquiry.

• DA = Development Application
• BC = Building Information Certificate
• TA = Tree Assessment
• CC = Construction Certificate
• CDC = Complying Development Certificate
• REF = Review Environmental Factors
• SC = Subdivision Certificate.
• MU = Mixed use
• RFB = Residential flat Building

Of note is this selection of DAs is the commencement of public works for the 20 Laycock Street development, addressing access to the stormwater system on Laycock Street.Interestingly there is also a scoping project to develop a 50 Megawatt AC (MWAC) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land adjacent to the Ausgrid Awaba substation.

Can We Create Our Community?

Another out-of-character Chronicle to do a last ditch pitch to purchase a parcel of land for posterity, thank you for your patience with the process. The regular format Chronicle with a variety of local topics, the DAs in Play and all the aspects you’ve grown to enjoy will return in March.

It’s been almost 3 months since The Chronicle last occupied your letterbox. If you remember the November edition it was full of excitement and anticipation about collaborative housing, trying to explain this different style of living and seeking interested people to attend information sessions. 

The workshop at the hall booked out in 4 hours with a waitlist, fortunately the COVID capacity of the hall was reviewed and those in waiting got to attend. The 30 who booked out the event never showed up, it was a hot day, however there were concerns that our community driven process was being thwarted. If a local community group wanting to undertake a community driven development is seen as such a threat, we must be doing something right. Onwards and Upwards!

There were three other meetings held and the upshot was that there is interest within the community, the site at 20 Laycock Street seemed a perfect option, but the concept is new and needs more discussion and education.

A $250,000 grant application was submitted to fund the collaborative housing process, the grant outcome won’t be known till March. So the only option open at the moment is to attempt to purchase the Carey Bay block and work through the process.

An ideal collaborative housing parcel of land at 20 Laycock Street is still up for sale. The agent has recently changed to Matrix Property Group, an agency that specialises in development site sales, the asking price has risen to $1.8million, reflecting the recent surge in the property market.

What we are asking for and why.

The CPPA is seeking pledges from our community (and beyond) for an investment for around 2 years to enable us to lodge an expression of interest (EOI) to enter into negotiations to purchase 20 Laycock St, Carey Bay. The EOI is due on Wednesday 17 February, 3pm.

If we can progress past the pledge stage a legal framework will be established to ensure everyone’s investment is secure. We expect each investor will become a shareholder or equivalent in some kind of holding structure which will purchase the land.

If the development we envisage goes ahead the income from sale of new properties will provide funds to repay investors. If it does not go ahead within 2 years, the intent would be to sell the land and distribute the proceeds back to investors. It is expected that in either case the return to investors would be similar to the original investment - any profit or loss would be expected to be small - but there is no guarantee.

The CPPA is a registered charity and our constitution recognises that buying land may be an appropriate way to pursue our objectives.

So why is there such a rush on now for a 17/2/21 deadline and why has there been such a delay in communicating with the community? A word from The CPPA President- Suzanne Pritchard.

“The reason for the hiatus is that my dear dad, Laurie, died on January 25th. I have been caring for him for the past 8.5 years, he had a raft of health issues including dementia. In early December, dear ol’ dad had two falls attributed to low blood pressure, the 2nd fall bruised his ribs, a prescribed painkiller caused a bowel blockage which led to hospitalisation over Christmas. Upon returning home dad’s mobility and mind were so compromised, work (paid and voluntary), had become impossible. On 25th January at 8am dear ol’ dad passed away quickly on our front veranda, in my arms, to ‘I can see clearly now the rain has gone’. A period of grief and transition has left very limited time to try and make the Bush Block project happen. I’ve been dealing with dad’s demise in various ways, grieving and grooving, drinking and deliberating.

Desperate times have called for disparate measures. If you visit the CPPA website or facebook page you’ll see the pleadings from a drunk and desperate President trying to make something happen ‘with the rainbow I’ve been praying for’ whilst coming to grips with grief."

The EOI on the 20 Laycock St closes on Wednesday 17 Feb at 3pm. We need pledges by COB Tuesday to collect and collate the pledges.

28 Reasons to support the Bush Blocks project

 

Why support this project?

CPPA Supporters: To shape the community we want with shared spaces and places and protecting the local bushland in the process.

COVID Aware: COVID has highlighted the importance of social connections, collaborative housing is architecturally designed to support social interactions.

Carbon Conscious Construction: Housing built with high thermal efficiencies and low carbon construction, will model the standards of the future, future-proofing this project.

Tree-hugger: A transferable model demonstrating how tree-safe housing can be built alongside the noble green giants that form the backbone of this community.

Landlubber: Creating housing whilst respecting the local landscape and the underlying landform.

Bird-watchers: Ensuring the grounds and gardens connect with the surrounding corridor and canopy makes a space for the birds and the bees and the local wildlife too.

Climate change believer: An option for a lifestyle that reduces the carbon footprint of the community by living lightly and locally.

Climate change denier: Somewhere nice to live that is energy efficient and won’t cost the earth.

Primary School parent: To provide hope that we can make the changes needed in time to create a community in a world that recognises the need to do things differently.

Pre-schooler parent: To show the next generation that there was an opportunity to do things differently and together we made a difference and took a step towards creating a brighter future.

High school students: We hear your calls for action and concerns about the future in a climate changing world and are trying to do something tangible to make a difference.

Social Impact Investor: Doing good locally with your dollars provides a way for our community to reclaim control of development in our area.

Delayed traveller: Those overseas holiday funds can be put to good use for a couple of years whilst big holidays aren’t possible.

Tradie of tomorrow: A best practice construction to demonstrate how thermal efficiencies can be achieved with local projects built by local people expanding their green construction skills.

Neighbourly types: A way to get to know your neighbours by building your home together.

Low-risk investor: A reliable and low risk investment in local real estate for two years that will likely hold its value, nothing is ever certain.

Community conscious: To support the creation of meaningful connections and relationships around the Carey Bay precinct building bridges between the preschool, Anglican Care, neighbours and businesses.

Future proofers: To build a sustainable settlement that supports everyone in good and challenging times, demonstrating what is possible when people pool resources.

Fearful types: A way of securing a safe future with guaranteed solar energy to keep the lights on and the water flowing.

Getting older group: For those who want to live where they love and continue to enjoy their bushland backyard surrounded by friends.

Older solo Women: Older women that did not have access to superannuation and now find housing affordability an issue may find living in a collaborative housing venture supportive and affordable.

Evergreen elders: Rekindling and returning to the sense of community you knew growing up where people shared and cared.

Lonely types: A way of living that creates connection with neighbours whilst retaining privacy.

Architectural enthusiasts: Designing a place that encourages physical connections that helps build and strengthen social relationships.

Down-sizer: To be part of a design team that creates the place you want to live in for the next stage of your life.

First homeowner: To be part of a growing housing style that makes buying and building a house more affordable.

Climate Emergency Declarer: A positive step in a different direction to do development differently that showcases a lifestyle that supports an uncertain future.

Legacy legend: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

MORE INFORMATION

• Collaborative Housing information
• The CPPA's background to the project
• Make a pledge by 16/2/21 to make a community

Progress Posterity Pledge

 You can print the pledge and lodge it locally by 16/2/21 

at

Carey Bay: Carey Bay Preschool, The Goods Café, Westlakes Trophies, Framing & Engraving

Toronto: Cleavers Café, Altitude Real Estate

or
Use the online form

The CPPA is seeking pledges from our community (and beyond) for an investment for around 2 years to enable us to lodge an expression of interest (EOI) to enter into negotiations to purchase 20 Laycock St, Carey Bay. The EOI is due on Wednesday 17 February, 3pm.

If we can progress past the pledge stage a legal framework will be established to ensure everyone’s investment is secure. We expect each investor will become a shareholder or equivalent in some kind of holding structure which will purchase the land.

If the development we envisage goes ahead the income from sale of new properties will provide funds to repay investors. If it does not go ahead within 2 years, the intent would be to sell the land and distribute the proceeds back to investors. It is expected that in either case the return to investors would be similar to the original investment - any profit or loss would be expected to be small - but there is no guarantee.

The CPPA is a registered charity and our constitution recognises that buying land may be an appropriate way to pursue our objectives.

DA’s In Play at December 2019

It’s that time of year when major developments are submitted for community comment just as everyone is winding down for the year…and there are some big ones on display at Carey Bay. If you want to do some community giving, a final letter for the year to your local representatives whose decisions shape our community would be a substantial gift. Please consult Council's Application Tracking website for details.

Here's a list of Councillor contacts

DA/419/2018 114-120 Cary Street -124 Dwellings

Invitations have gone out to give interested people the opportunity to talk directly to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel on the proposed 6-story development at 114-120 Cary Street, Toronto (next to Maccas). The event is 11/12/19 at 4pm in the Council Chambers.

You must register to speak by contacting the Planning Panels Secretariat before 4pm Monday 9 December 2019 on 02 8217 2060 or enquiry@planningpanels.nsw.gov.au 

The mixed-use development includes a Residential Flat Building with 124 dwellings above 2872m2 commercial premises and two levels of basement carparking. The proponent has committed to additional off-site works including road widening of Arnott Ave, a cycleway and relocation of power lines.

DA/1692/209 Residential Care Facility & Demolition – 36 Laycock Street

Anglican Care has lodged their DA to demolish the Aged Care Facility (not the self-contained units) and rebuild on the existing footprint whilst retaining the mature corridor of trees on their southern boundary.

The design seeks to minimise the building bulk, cut and fill by breaking up the overall mass into four ‘wings’ radiating from central common facilities, and placing lower ground level parking under the northern and north western wings. Two care levels are provided over a parking level.

Some of the features are; 126 private rooms with ensuites, common areas (lounge, dining, activities rooms etc), day therapy areas (gym, salon, prayer room, treatment room etc), semi-basement car parking consisting 56 spaces, 15 at grade car parking spaces, café, entry / administration area (including new reception, offices, meeting rooms amenities etc).

DA/1865/2017 22 dwellings- 20 Laycock Street

The proposal to construct 22 units at 20 Laycock (behind the Carey Bay preschool) has

been revised and is on display till 15th December for community feedback. 

A letter has been drafted and is available for download and personalisation to assist the community to comment during this busy period.

The re-notification addresses the following issues: stormwater management so as not to burden the preschool with the site’s drainage, the retention of a tree corridor to support the movement of local wildlife and foraging habitat, targeted flora surveys to determine if threatened species were present, privacy impacts of adjacent residents and preschool, non-discriminatory accessibility, the visual impact on the community, parking and service area design, waste management plans and erosion & sediment control.

This DA is being put forward for the purposes of selling the land with an approved DA.

Although some revisions have been made from the previous application, there are several issues outstanding that conflict with community expectations at the apparent expense of financial considerations. A development such as this can be better designed so as to provide more green space, shared facilities and sustainable technologies even if the number of proposed units is reduced and their positioning modified.

Following are some of the concerns with the revised plans.

Retention of Corridor: Council officers state there is a need for a 8-10m wide corridor to provide security into the future and functionality and for foraging resources for a number of fauna species. The developer is proposing 2-5m. Only 7 trees of the 72 originally on the block are proposed to be left (many were taken out previously). Climate change elevates the importance of retaining habitat connectivity across the landscape for wildlife and avoid genetic inbreeding associated with isolated populations, the latter which also affects plants.

Privacy and topography: Council’s Landscape Assessment identifies units adjacent to the preschool being 2m above existing ground level with fencing providing no privacy and the site planning not responding to the topography of the site. Council is also recommending 1m wide landscaping along the access driveway to reduce the amenity impacts on the preschool.

Preschool safety: The developer states that the safety of children in the adjacent childcare centre is ‘of much less concern than many such situations’ such as heavy traffic in inner city commercial business districts. However, good planning should address such issues in advance and recognise their importance for the local community.

Visual Impact and community character: The developer describes the visual impact of the development as being consistent with ‘the emerging density character of the area’. However, there is only a small pocket of medium density zoning in Carey Bay. The one development, with minimal landscaping, adjacent to the shops does not constitute a trend and has not softened in the decade since completion. The area surrounding the development is low density housing on large bushland blocks, reinforcing the desirability of maintaining corridors.

Accessible units: The developer has designed ‘round-about’ style accommodation for their two accessible units located in the centre of the complex encircled by the internal access road, a poor design element for those with mobility challenges, a consequence of too many units being proposed for the site.

Energy Efficiency: The proposal only meets minimum energy efficiency requirements. More thoughtful design with perhaps little extra cost should be considered to incorporate best practice for sustainability, e.g. insulation for reduced heating and cooling and PV installation.

Bulk Scale and Size: An important outcome sought from such a medium density is also to ‘maintain and enhance the residential amenity and character of the surrounding area’. The bulk, scale and size of the current DA does not allow for this important consideration with no community space, very little green space and mostly hard surfaces.

What’s happening at Bath Street?

On 25 November Councillor Harrison formally requested an update on the actions taken and planned for the Bath St site, following the decision to defer further work on the multistorey development. All we want for Christmas is an update and a timeline to alleviate cynicism.

DA’s in play as at 1/11/19

Here is an abridged list of local DA’s currently under assessment between 1/9/19 to 1/11/19. The list is compiled to support community understanding of DAs in our area that may impact on the community character.

Please consult LMCC’s new look Application Tracking website for details and a complete listing. 

• DA/925/2018/A - 24 Robey Road: Water Recreation Structure (Jetty) – Extension
• DA/1339/2019 - 394 Skye Point Road: Water Recreation Structure (Slipway) and Demolition
• DA/1375/2019 - 231 Skye Point Road: Dwelling Additions, Swimming Pool and Demolish Existing Garage/Carport
• DA/1473/2019 - 9 Alkira Street: Dwelling Additions, Swimming Pool and Retaining Wall
• DA/1298/2019 -  97 Kilaben Road: Dwelling Alterations and Construct Garage
• DA/1405/2019 -  82 Kilaben Road: Studio
• DA/755/2019/A -  6 South Street: Alterations and additions and swimming pool and associated safety barriers.
• DA/1328/2019 -  104 Brighton Avenue: Shop Top Housing and 1 into 3 Lot Strata Subdivision
• DA/1444/2019 -  58 Victory Parade: Alterations and Additions to Mixed Use Development - Proposed Shade Cover x 3
• DA/1497/2019 67 -  The Boulevarde: Place of Worship (Living Word Lakeside Church)
• DA/1557/2019 - 12 Bay Street: Food And Drink Premises (extension of hours)

DA UpDAte

The 20 Laycock Street (DA/1865/2017) slow burn has reignited with new documents lodged on 17/10/19 for the 22 Units.

More information on the latest developments on the development will be in the December Chronicle.

DA UpDAte

Council is striving to keep a corridor at 20 Laycock Street

The 22 unit multi-dwelling proposal lodged in 2017 is still moving along.

In early August an LMCC officer informed the applicant that “The proposed layout … does not realistically facilitate the retention of trees and associated corridor/fauna habitat value that has been identified on site in the long term.

It is recommended that the layout be reconfigured/reviewed to provide for retention of the trees and associated corridor/fauna habitat value that occurs along the site’s western boundary in the long term. Ideally a negotiated vegetation easement under communal ownership would be incorporated along the site’s western boundary … The easement would also provide opportunity for natural tree recruitment / regeneration over time.”

On 22/8/19 council informed the applicant that “The internal advice indicates the information(provided) has not demonstrated trees 3 & 4 can be retained, and their long term survival is questionable. The questions over the retention of these trees reinforces the concerns with the loss of habitat supporting the corridor.

In reviewing the corridor with one of Council’s ecologists, it was identified the corridors at Coal Point are individually weak and therefore it is important to retain as many corridors as possible. Retention and enhancement of vegetation in the corridor is a preferred outcome, with the corridor on the western boundary identified as one of the more viable links at Coal Point.

DAs In Play

LMCC's Application Tracking website has details of the documentation and current status of development applications.

20 Laycock St- DA 1865/2017

The CPPA and TASNG met with the developer and presented ideas for more sustainable design options. The community groups felt that their concerns and suggestions were heard.

151 to 155 Brighton Ave - (Hirecraft marina site) DA 1835/2016

The DA will be determined by Council due to concerns regarding height of structure, and traffic issues due to increased development. On 30/3/18 the developer had provided the requested documentation to allow for further consideration.

114-120 Cary Street (next to McDonalds) : DA 419/2018

Mixed Use Development comprising

• 2872m2 commercial premises on the ground floor 
• 124 residential units (25 x 1 bed, 78 x2bed and 21 x 3bed)) 
• 170 carparking spaces for residents, 123 car parks for commercial (including basement parking for 268 cars and 15 motorbikes) 

The consent authority for this $36.5million dollar project is the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

The community has until 20th April to comment.

20 Laycock St proposal- DA1274/2013

On behalf of the community The Progress Association sought and was granted an extension to the notification period until 6^th May and requested that those who had previously lodged comments be advised of the amended plans.

The proposed development of 26 multiple dwellings at 20 Laycock Street has been amended, reducing the development by two dwellings to accommodate access to the site, access for garbage storage and an expanded community area.

The 2-storey units have been split into pairs to accommodate changes in levels across the site and reduce the perceived bulk. The number of structures has consequently increased from 9 to 12. There are twelve 2 bedroom and twelve 3 bedroom dwellings proposed.

The amended plans are available on council’s Application Tracking website. The documentation is dated 17/2, identified as ‘Additional Information’ D06892475 and D06894195. A copy of the amended application is available from the blog as well.

An overall site plan was not publically available so the diagram below is a modified shadow diagram to allow people to gain a perspective on the proposed development.

To lodge a comment on the amended plans you will need to email or mail your views to LMCC; council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or Box 1906 HRMC, NSW 2310.

• if your previous comments remain pertinent a statement to that effect will suffice you don’t have to write a completely new, detailed submission,
• you can copy and paste your previous submission  or
• write a completely new one.
• If your issues have been addressed, make that known as well
• If you didn’t make a comment previously you can now have your thoughts heard 

The important thing is to make your views known. This is an opportunity to ensure that the development aligns with the aspirations of a community that enjoys and respects the local environment and the existing residents within it.

The Coal Point Progress Association and Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group still have concerns about the scale and impact of the development on the local community, existing infrastructure and wildlife corridor, whilst acknowledging it would be ‘good for business’ at the Carey Bay shops.

The comments made on the original application last October remain relevant and can be viewed on the blog.

Comments on the amended application are outlined below in the form of a sample letter which is also available on the blog.

Letter to Council: Amended DA 1274/3013

I object to the amended application DA1274/2013 on the following grounds.

The amended plans for DA1274 do little to reduce the overall impacts of this large development on the local community.

It is acknowledged that there has been a reduction in the number of units to enable access to the site and address the inability of garbage collection to be undertaken which were problematic in the original application.

The bulk and scale of the development remains a problem. Any gains made in the amended application by the ‘reduction in size and footprint of the two storey terraces’ were negated by the addition of an extra 2-storey terrace.

The increase in the number of structures to accommodate the level changes across the site is sensible in that it will reduce the overall cut and fill requirements however this does little to address the overdevelopment of the site and removal of all existing vegetation.

The increase in size of the communal area is acknowledged however the location, surrounded by the access road may not be conducive to public enjoyment and its size to service the entire development which contains only small private spaces may still be inadequate. If the intent is to reduce the visual impact from Laycock Street it will achieve this.

The landscaping plant schedule does little to support the existing wildlife corridor. Native shrubs could be used to increase nectar sources and habitat potential within the development. Introducing more exotic species compromises the local bushland and landcaring efforts.

The proposed stormwater management plan states that 1.73ha of upstream catchment will be diverted around the site in a pipe network which will ‘connect into the existing stormwater pipe…maintaining the existing runoff regime. The capacity of the existing pipe to accommodate the runoff generated by the development is of concern. Within the past decade this pipe has reached capacity on several occasions and caused flooding of adjacent properties.

In addition the original concerns from previous correspondence still stand.

Yours Sincerely

Name:

Address:

Date:

Lots to say about Carey Bay!

A total of 81 community submissions were lodged with 79 opposing the development at Carey Bay. Due to the number of submissions received the development application will go before Council for approval i.e. the decision will not sit with a Council Officer as delegated authority… but in the meantime the developer has some work to do. 

On 15/10/13 Lake Macquarie City Council posted a ‘Request for Information’ to the developer in order to adequately assess the proposed 26 dwellings on Laycock St. A 12 page document, identifying LMCC’s concerns about the proposed DA is available for viewing on LMCC’s Application Tracking website and via this link. 

LMCC’s ‘Request for Information’ stated in its conclusion (p3) “an assessment of the development application has found it to be deficient in terms of owner’s consent, information provided to enable a detailed assessment, and were an assessment has been undertaken the proposal has been found to be of poor quality design. Further, a number of the areas of deficiency or poor quality design where identified as significant issues to be addressed at a Pre-lodgement meeting of 27 February 2013. Also a significant number of submissions have been received objecting to the development proposal. Therefore in its current form there is no option but to determine the development application by way of refusal.

In this regard, it is required that the development application be withdrawn, the required specialist reports be prepared, the design be reviewed and a Pre-lodgement meeting be convened prior to re-lodgement of the development proposal. Should additional information be submitted for the application Council may proceed to determine the application without any further negotiation.”

There was a suite of concerns that need to be addressed under headings of Ecological values, Ecological Corridors, Scenic values, Tree Preservation  & Management, Bushfire Risk, Sloping Land & Soils, Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control, Energy Efficiency, Noise & Vibration-Air Quality, Stormwater Management/On-Site, Stormwater Harvesting, Operational Waste Management, Vehicle Parking provision, Car Parking Areas & Structures, Access, Streetscape & local Character, Landscapes, fences, Building Siting, Form  & Design. Many concerns also reflected the proximity of the Childcare Centre to the proposal.

The Progress Association and Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups are keen to use this opportunity to discuss what could be possible on the site. If you have an interest or expertise in sustainable development please contact either group via Nico Marcar by phone 40231978 or email nico.marcar@gmail.com . 

What would you pay to live at Carey Bay?

The Threatened Species Last Stand on the Coal Point Peninsula project appears to have been aptly named. 

A Development Application (DA) has been lodged for 26 multiple dwellings at Carey Bay in an area identified as ‘the rehabilitation corridor’ on LMCC’s Corridor mapping. 

It will be up to the community to make ‘a stand’ to protect and retain the local wildlife corridor.

The development proposes to clear native vegetation including most of the 71 trees on site to construct

• Fourteen 1 storey villas
• Twelve 2 storey terraces

The notice to the residents states “The purpose of the design is to provide a mix of dwelling types and sizes to provide new housing choice primarily for existing local residents wishing to downsize from their large detached home but still remain in the area”.

The scale of this project is larger than the recently completed Lakewood development on Laycock Street, due to the area of land being smaller. A ‘compact’ design is being proposed. 

Neighbours adjacent to the proposed development are concerned about loss of amenity, privacy and the canopy-corridor that supports the abundant wildlife as well as impacts upon the existing sewer and storm water systems.

The Coal Point Progress Association and Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group have concerns about the scale and impact of the development on the local community, existing infrastructure and wildlife corridor, whilst acknowledging it would be ‘good for business’ at the Carey Bay shops.

The proposal and its impact on the community will be discussed at the next meeting of the Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood group, on Wednesday 9^th October 5-6.30pm Progress Hall, 197 Skye Point Rd.  The discussion on the development will start at 6pm. 

It is recognised that the majority of residents will not attend the above meeting so this Chronicle will outline some of the concerns that have been already identified and provide options to make your thoughts known to LMCC by the 11^th October.

...But first a Declaration of Conflict of Interest. 

Writing this Chronicle is Suzanne Pritchard, I live adjacent to the proposed development, am the Project Manager for the ‘Threatened Species Project, President of the Progress Association and Committee member of the Toronto Sustainable Neighbourhood group. 

When I first moved to Carey Bay 24 years ago the area was zoned low density residential and there was a Council owned corridor of public land over the gully which channelled water from the Quarterdeck down the hill and under the preschool and off to the Carey Bay wetlands.

Alas, the public corridor and the low-density zoning have both changed and the remnant bushland that is now medium density zoning and creates part of a viable wildlife corridor has 26 dwellings proposed upon it.

Having commented on several DA’s on behalf of the Progress Association community, obtained a $250,000 grant to restore the local wildlife corridor and connected my backyard to the corridor through native plantings, my concerns over the proposed development are both personal, community and environmentally based. 

Neither myself nor the organisations I belong to are opposed to development per se. There is merit in urban consolidation and some innovative designs that display foresight and environmental compatibility and sustainability are available. The issue here is the style of development and the impact on the existing residents, the community and the environment. 

Why comment?

According to LMCC’s Lifestyle 2030 Strategy, Lake Macquarie aims to be a City “that practices participatory democracy and is well governed where there are diverse mechanisms for enabling citizens to have meaningful and empowering input into key decisions that affect their lives in Lake Macquarie.” This Chronicle is an attempt to enable the community to participate in the DA process.

The CPPA met with LMCC planners in 2011 to gain insights into the DA process. . One of the findings from that meeting was that the assessment of a DA’s impact is highly dependent upon the number of comments that get received during the exhibition period. 

How to Comment

In commenting on a DA, short letters stating your broad concerns or a detailed document outlining multiple issues are both valid. If you object to a development you do need to say ‘I object’.

All the development documents for the 26 Multiple Dwellings at 20 Laycock Street can be viewed online at  http://apptracking.lakemac.com.au/modules/ApplicationMaster/default.aspx

A letter summarising some of the concerns of the Progress Association has been provided in this Chronicle to facilitate community members to comment. The Progress Association applied for and received an extension to the notification period.

The deadline for submissions to be received at Council is 11/10/13. 

The letter can be signed and posted as is, edited or sent as an email to council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au and to the  West Ward Councillors 

• Daniel Wallace dwallace@lakemac.nsw.gov.au mob: 0429 610 290
• Ken Paxinos kpaxinos@lakemac.nsw.gov.au mob 0409 896 619
• Wendy Harrison wharrison@lakemac.nsw.gov.au mob 0409 775 432
• Rosmairi Dawson rokeno@lakemac.nsw.gov.au mob 0417 300 170

Letter to Council objecting to the proposed development at 20 Laycock St, Carey - DA 1274/2013

LMCC

Box 1906

Hunter Region Mail Centre NSW 2310

council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Ref DA/1274/2013

To whom it may concern,

I object to DA 1274/2013 on the following grounds.

Our local environment is suffering from death by a thousand cuts. This development has the potential to be the straw that breaks the corridor’s back, compromising the options available for wildlife movement.

The scale and bulk of the development is excessive for the local community context. The site plan shows minimal green or community space. 

The Tree Protection plan only protects trees on adjacent blocks. There are concerns about destabilising  the root structures of these trees. No trees are left on the site.

Vehicle access to the site is adjacent to the preschool. Traffic movements around the preschool will be increased compromising safety and parking. Access by service vehicles appears to be problematic.

Stormwater management both entering and exiting the site does not appear to be sufficient for the hard surfaces or reflect the the drainage patterns in the catchment. The site is currently providing ecosystem services such as carbon storage, filtering surface water, and assimilating pollutants. The geotechnical report states “The broad gully that dissects the site is composed of loose to medium dense water charged gravelly sand and clayey sand to depths of upto 1.7m (but generally less than 0.5m)”. The DA proposes removal and recompaction or replacement with engineered filling. 

Personal privacy for residents and neighbours appears minimal with lake-facing decks providing the outdoor entertaining areas and minimal ‘backyards’ 3m from adjacent neighbours.

View corridors for aged residents in the care facilities will be compromised. There are recognised mental health benefits provided by tree and vegetation cover. Additionally the daily environment of the  preschool children will be altered and dominated by the structural mass of the development. 

The recent release of the 5^th Report by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states more extreme weather and changing rainfall patterns will occur. Corridors will be vital to allow wildlife to continue to move across the landscape.  This is an opportunity to make a stand for corridor sympathetic development.

Two threatened insectivorous bat species are present of the site. The loss of 0.6ha of habitat will fragment and isolate the remaining habitat almost severing the corridor connection that exists on the Coal Point peninsula.

I urge Council to demand a more sustainable development that exemplifies best practice and provides long term viability for the corridor and the community of Carey Bay-Coal Point.

Yours sincerely

Name

Address

Date

Discuss, Decide & Do

A major development at 20 Laycock Street has been lodged with Council and comments are due this Friday 13/9/13. Adjacent neighbours have been notified but not the rest of the local community. An opportunity to share information is being organised to;

Discuss the development and its features.

20 Laycock Street CAREY BAY Description: 26 Multiple Dwellings
Applicant: JW PLANNING PTY LTD
Status: On Notification/Advertising

Decide on what you think is OK or could be done better

Do a letter and post it off or email to council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

When:    5-6.30pm Thursday 12/9/13

Where:  Carpark in front of Hype fitness, Carey Bay Shopping Village

Who:     Anyone who is interested about the effects of the development

BYO:      Chair to sit on, pen, paper, envelope and stamp

More information?   
Contact Suzanne Pritchard coalpointprogress@gmail.com

The development can be viewed online at

http://apptracking.lakemac.com.au/modules/ApplicationMaster/default.aspx

The Coal Point Progress Association and Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group have both been notified.