Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association is more than willing to discuss options, but maintaining the unique character of the town is non-negotiable, and that requires strict height limits.

TRRA believes that the 2012 Strategy doesn’t need much change – but this time round it must be actively promoted and implemented, in a way that the council has failed to do to date. TRRA believes that public domain improvements are the key to attracting more residents, visitors, and investors, and there are many minor and relatively low-cost things that could be done soon such as better landscaping, signage, paving, street furniture and lighting.

Also, a long-term parking and traffic management strategy is required that does not give away the community asset of the two Donald Street car parks and provides for both current and future needs.

On the critical issue of building heights, there is a strong community consensus on maintaining a coastal village character, and keeping buildings below the wooded backdrop when viewed from the Bay. There is no evidence that building more apartments is necessary for an economic revival of the town – there is limited demand for permanent apartment dwelling, and allowing high rise would spoil the town without achieving anything – census figures and local knowledge confirm that 75 per cent of units are unoccupied.

The council’s discussion paper misleadingly suggests that a default seven-storey height has already been agreed. It has not, and we believe the 2012 Strategy height limit of five storeys north of Dowling Street is still desirable, as is limiting any variation limited to an additional two storeys, and only in exceptional cases with outstanding design and strategic public benefit. Modern building design means that these limits will actually be 17 per cent higher in metres than the current limits. There could be higher buildings south of Dowling Street against the hillside. Two developers have submitted DAs for six-storey apartments in the last year, so they clearly think this is viable. There should be an overriding test that buildings not breach the tree-line on surrounding ridges and hills.

TRRA encourages everyone to have their say, before March 13 http://haveyoursay.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/discussion-paper