Bangaloe Stud Kincumber: More than 3000 people oppose plans for 202-home over-55s village
Why 202 homes? This is the question many residents are asking the developers of a proposed over-55s village at the old Bangaloe Stud in Kincumber.
Central Coast
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Public submissions have opened for a proposed over-55s village with 202 manufactured homes at Kincumber.
The $19.7 million DA has been lodged with Central Coast Council on the former Bangaloe Stud on Avoca Drive and has attracted a lot of public interest.
The Kincumber and Picketts Valley Community Action Group has formed in response to the proposed development, with more than 3000 signatures acquired on a petition.
The group is urging anyone with concerns to lodge their objections before the closing date on February 20.
“Residents are concerned about overdevelopment,” Action Group spokesman Graham Murray said. “If we were to ask the developers one question, it would be ‘why 202 homes?’.”
Choice Living Avoca Development Pty Ltd are proposing 202 manufactured homes, country club and recreational facilities on the former 24 hectare thoroughbred breeding stud.
In answer to the question ‘why 202 homes?’, a spokeswoman from Choice Living Avoca said the plans considered that part of the site had been previously cleared for agricultural uses.
“The number of homes within the project has been developed to provide a mix of housing solutions and price points for the discerning Over-50s buyer,” she said.
“The number of homes takes into account the need to maintain the feel of the site, the retention of trees around the perimeter of the site, the topography of the site and our desire as long term owners and operators of seniors’ communities to provide future residents with an exceptional lifestyle outcome.”
Tessa Green, from the Action Group, said traffic, overdevelopment and loss of the green corridor and wildlife were major issues.
“The entrance on Avoca Drive is a huge concern,” she said. “We have already had so many near misses on that road.
“People living on the western side of the site will have homes three metres from their fence line. We are not anti-development, we just want environmentally sustainable development.”
Mr Murray said the proposed construction access road off Picketts Valley Rd will go through the green vegetation corridor which is home to the endangered Yellow-bellied Glider.
“At the moment there is a tractor track there but how are they planning to put 15 tonne trucks through without removing trees,” he said.
The DA states that 491 trees will be removed for the integrated development, however Choice Living say no trees will be removed from the vegetation corridor.
Ms Green said the current draft Central Coast Council Local Environment Plan (LEP) states that caravan parks and manufactured homes are prohibited on environmental living zones. However the current Gosford LEP allows it.
“What will council do?,” she said.
“I understand they need to do something with the land, but not at the cost of the local character. Don’t residents have rights too?”
Choice Living is holding four community information sessions on February 4 and 5 however the action group are concerned that only 15 people can attend each session.
“The information sessions accommodate 15 people at a time however, if necessary, further information sessions will be held in the future,” the Choice Living Avoca spokeswoman said.
“Numbers were limited to 15 to ensure personal engagement with interested members of the local community. The proponent and the project team are aware of the level of community interest, and that such interest is organised, particularly in respect of sharing of information.”
Register for an information session at www.choicelivingavoca.com.au from 9am tomorrow.