An increase in the building height limits, high-rise residential development, private investment and small business incentives dominated the discussion from the 57-page strategy document and the hundreds of submissions received during the consultation process.

News that height limits “along the town centre edges” would double to 10 storeys – as recommended in the strategy report – brought an immediate reaction from council watchdog Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association and across social media.

TRRA president Geoff Washington, who attended Tuesday night’s council meeting with a group of placard-waving supporters, said that the height increase did not have the support of the majority of residents.

“High-rise development would radically change the character of Nelson Bay forever and high-rise buildings would destroy the prized character of the town by intruding on the natural backdrop of wooded hills,” Mr Washington said.

“Such an outcome would be wholly inconsistent with the vision and objectives of the 2012 Strategy and the economic modelling used to justify increased heights is misrepresented… it provides no logical link to the objective of increased business vitality in the town centre.

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“No evidence has been put forward to support the view that high-rise apartment buildings attract more permanent residents.”

The council decided at Tuesday night’s meeting to retain the five storey height limit in the heart of the Nelson Bay CBD.

A compromise was found for height limits on the fringe of town. Instead of the recommended 10 storeys, the council agreed to an eight storey building height limit.

Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson said its membership had confidence in the council to deliver “a happy medium” without resorting to Gold Coast-style development.

“We are confident that the majority of councillors including mayor Ryan Palmer have the best interests of the Nelson Bay business district at heart and understand the need for economic progress,” Ms Anderson said.

“We support the 10-storey height limits along the periphery of the CBD but certainly not in the heart of town. We don’t want buildings that impact adversely on the ambience and views from the CBD.”

Fellow chamber member and longtime business advocate Peter Clough said that high-rise residential development alone was not the answer to economic growth in Nelson Bay.

“Nelson Bay has been identified for its tourism potential and as a business decision I believe more commercial development such as serviced apartments, hotels, convention and conference centres should be encouraged.”

Mr Clough said that another priority was car parking and more specifically the redevelopment of the former Donald Street car park site.

“By 10am most week days all free car parking spaces are taken by workers,” he said.

The strategy, according to the council report, had primarily sought to understand why limited private investment and economic development had occurred in Nelson Bay town centre, despite the past decade being one of significant growth for the housing industry.

“Community consultation was undertaken through online surveys, community drop-in sessions and stakeholder meetings,” the report said. 

“A clear strategy already exists for Nelson Bay … a few minor, yet significant, changes are required to encourage private investment, such as amendments to planning controls (i.e. maximum building height limits) and better quality public spaces. 

“Council has already invested in some of the key actions in the plan, including the extension of Yacaaba Street and the preparation of the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan and Street Tree Masterplan. 

“Council’s delivery program aims to support efforts by all stakeholders to attract public and private investment to the Nelson Bay town centre and to inspire and excite businesses, investors, tourists and the community.”