Latest Frenchs Forest housing plans around the Northern Beaches Hospital

DEVELOPMENT plans around the Northern Beaches Hospital have been delayed again, more than year since they were due to be released.

Plans have been delayed again slowing down rezoning around the new Northern Beach Hospital, which impacts Preyesh Odhavjee.

HOMEOWNERS in Frenchs Forest have copped another delay in finding out the future of their properties around the Northern Beaches Hospital.

The NSW Government report outlining which areas in the hospital precinct face rezoning and development has been delayed yet again, with the State government calling back the report.

Northern Beaches Hospital is now in its second storey. Picture: Supplied.

Five NSW Government agencies now want to look at the draft hospital precinct structure plan before it goes to the Northern Beaches Council and public exhibition.

The Manly Daily understands the NSW departments of health, transport, planning and Roads and Maritime Services are involved.

The Department of Education is also being consulted, raising speculation about The Forest High School. The department confirmed it was being consulted but said it had no plans to close, relocate or redevelop the school.

This week, council administrator Dick Persson said there were a number of complex matters around rezoning that needed to be resolved.

“Council is not in a position to discuss these matters further at this time,” he said.

The report is now not expected to be handed back to council until September. It will then be put on public exhibition for a year, with time for public feedback.

The delay is a blow for people living near the hospital, who were originally told the draft plan would be available in April of last year.

There have been delays because of transport assessments, but in March this year the public was told to expect the draft plan in six to eight weeks. Community workshops on the future of the 200ha precinct were held in November 2014. Property owners around the 488-bed hospital have been waiting now for 15 months to learn the future value of their land. Building is well under way, with the hospital reaching its second storey. It is on track to open in 2018.

The Northern Beaches Hospital and surrounding precinct. Picture: Supplied.

Preyesh Odhavjee amalgamated with nine neighbours in nearby Karingal Cres a year ago to sell together.

“We are all being told different things,” he said. “We thought we would be told our status in April of last year, but now we have at least 18 months until we can leave. Developers won’t buy us out until the land is gazetted, meanwhile they are building a 4m wall in my backyard, there is a nine metre trench behind us and we have noise, cars and disruption.”

Shane Broekman, of LJ Hooker Frenchs Forest, said elderly homeowners felt trapped in their homes not knowing what would happen or when they could move. “I am now getting calls from people saying they need to move on,” Mr Broekman said. “They can’t put their lives on hold anymore.”

Liberal Davidson MP Jonathon O’Dea said the government agencies should have worked together better and delivered a result by now.

Frenchs Forest amalgamated site on Warringah Rd. NSW Real Estate.

“I am critical of my own government’s agencies for not working more collaboratively and for not having finalised this,” he said.

“Residents have valid concerns and have been waiting for greater certainty.”

Almost two years ago the then Warringah Council announced there would be a Hospital Precinct Structure Plan that would guide future development of the area surrounding the hospital.

This week the Northern Beaches Council said on its website it realised the time frames for the draft plan had passed. “We are continuing to work towards a resolution to allow the project to be reported to council in September 2016,” it said.

“It is imperative a new Strategic Centre in this location is supported by an appropriate level of infrastructure.

“A vibrant new town centre at Frenchs Forest needs to be supported by other community needs, such as new and/or enhanced community facilities, educational establishments, open space, and transport infrastructure.

“Council is actively working towards the finalisation of the Hospital Structure Plan.”