Toukley residents are being urged to continue to have their say about a proposed boarding house in Peel St, despite having lodged their opinions before.
The latest deadline for public comment is close of business this Friday, November 18.
Earlier this week, local community organisers counted 50 submissions on the council website which is half the number submitted last time a development application amendment was lodged.
Residents have formed a facebook group, “Concerned Residents Of Proposal For Boarding, Toukley” and people are urging each other not to give in to fatigue and exhaustion but to put pen to paper – or email – yet again.
And do before the weekend.
The residents have been campaigning for more than two years now about the development proposed for 51 Peel St, Toukley.
Previously an aged care facility, the proposal has been before the Local Planning Panel at least twice and is now in the Land and Environment Court awaiting judgement after a conciliation meeting earlier this year failed to gain an outcome.
The proponents continue to refine their application and the latest amended plans include more ensuites, cooking facilities, washers and dryers.
But residents says there is no reduction in numbers, with the home having a capacity for 93 residents, meaning the proposed Boarding house will be one of the largest in NSW.
Residents say Toukley does not have the many services these residents would need.
“Adding to this amendment, the developer has proposed/suggested that if there are more cars that can’t fit into the 32 allocated car spaces, then there is always the public park across the road and the ” lookout” on Peel st,” the residents say.
“He doesn’t seem to be aware of the number of community groups and individuals who park their cars in the park for various recreational activities.
“Last Sunday the carpark was full with Dragon boat club and Boat racing club members’ cars and boat/trailers.”
Residents are also concerned by the suggestion that the community members, liaison personnel, police, council meet quarterly to address any issues.
The facebook group questions whether any of these groups should be required to help the owner run his business.
For people interested in sending in a submission, see the posts on the Concerned Residents Of Proposal For Boarding, Toukley page for details about the issues.
The residents say they are not opposed to affordable housing in Toukley, provided the development is of an appropriate size and character for the area.
No, there are definately not enough basic or community services in the Toukley area to support this proposal.