Bid to protect Rosny Hill as residents seek council support against plan for hotel

EASTERN Shore residents are campaigning for Rosny Hill to be rezoned to protect the area from major developments.

EASTERN Shore residents are campaigning for Rosny Hill to be rezoned to protect the area from major developments.

The group has been petitioning the Clarence City Council for support in applying to the State Government – the owner of the land – for permission to change its classification from recreation to ­environmental management.

The group also wants council to waive the zoning amendment application fee, which they estimate is about $17,000.

Spokesman Peter Edwards says rezoning would ensure better compliance with the council’s management plan.

Mr Edwards said the group was not against small developments, but was concerned about a proposed “large scale” hotel development for the site.

“[Rezoning] gives the hill greater protection. It gives it probably the maximum protection,” he said.

“We would argue that environmental management still allows for some level of development that is consistent with the actual management plan that was adopted by council several years ago.”

An eco-resort proposal for the hill was revealed by Hunter Developments last year, which would include pod accommodation, a restaurant, conference centre and a wildlife sanctuary.

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Mr Edwards said residents had delivered a petition with 231 signatures to council this year and had since written to the general manager to request that the council represent the group by asking the State Government for permission to make the amendment.

Peter Edwards is spokesman for a group of Rosny residents who want Rosny Hill rezoned to protect the area from major developments. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman said the council considered the petition in May, and had decided the current zoning was adequate and consistent with the management.

Alderman Chipman said the group had chosen an ­unusual course, and was free to write to the minister.

“We can’t go about initiating a change to a scheme ­unless we’ve got significant strategic justification to do it,” he said.

“Certainly they have ­explained that they want it changed, but there’s no strategic basis for going through a whole amendment process.

“I don’t feel comfortable and I don’t think council feels comfortable about writing to the [State Government] ­requesting a zoning change if we don’t have the strategic justification to do it.”

Ald Chipman said if a development application was lodged with council the group could make submissions then.

“I can’t see why they’ve adopted this course, I don’t think it’s necessary to achieve what they want,” he said.