TOMAREE Ratepayers and Residents Association wants to put a hold on the multi-storey apartments planned for Church and Donald streets at Nelson Bay.
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The group says the buildings measuring 33 metres and 19.2 metres respectively are a threat to the Bay’s character.
“We’re all working together to revitalise the town centre but we don’t want it to become another Forster or Gold Coast,” TRRA planning committee convener Nigel Waters said.
“The TRRA’s position however is that these apartments are premature while the Nelson Bay Discussion Paper is still under development.”
Building heights have long been a concern in the CBD. In 2012 Port Stephens Council Adopted the Nelson Bay Town Centre and Foreshore Strategy.
“We reached an agreement that 15 m was permissible and we all agreed to a two storey extension where there is architectural excellence,” Mr Waters said. “The Church Street apartments are double what was agreed to.”
The Nelson Bay Discussion Paper came before the council briefly in December. Building heights were again examined in it. The final draft isn’t expected to go on public exhibition until February.
“Preferably these developments should be deferred until after the consultation period has concluded on the discussion paper,” Mr Waters said. “We’re looking forward to reviewing the discussion paper.”
The council’s strategic planning staff will make a presentation on the Nelson Bay Discussion Paper from 7pm on February 21 at the Nelson Bay Bowling Club. The TRRA general meeting is open to the public.
