A DECISION to reject plans for a 113-lot residential subdivision on the Hearnes Lake floodplain at Ti-Tree Road, Sandy Beach has been met with jubilation by the local community.
On 29 April a five member Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP), including local councillors Cath Fowler and George Cecato, unanimously rejected a proposal lodged in October 2024 for development of the site.
The decision followed a public meeting, oral submissions from residents and members of the wider community, and responses on behalf of the developer and City of Coffs Harbour Council.
The application was referred to the Northern Regional Planning Panel for determination as the development was considered a ‘regionally significant development’.
A total of 398 submissions were received on the development application, all objecting to the proposal.
Council provided a comprehensive 47 page report to the NRPP which aligned with community sentiment, affirming many of the arguments against the development.
Former Deputy Mayor Rod McKelvey has been supporting the community protest against development of this site for over 20 years.
“Hopefully the State Government will finally put to rest any suggestion of development of this site adopting Council’s careful planning development controls of over 20 years ago, further clarified by the more recent coastal erosion and State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) wetlands studies,” Mr McKelvey said.
The Northern Beaches community has petitioned the State Government to conserve the whole of the nearly 50ha site.
Garby Elder Aunty Deb Dootson and son Tony told News Of The Area, “A huge thank you to Council and the community for coming together with an important agenda to protect and preserve.”
By Kim SATCHELL
