Conservation zone changes concern Pittwater locals
As part of the amalgamation of the Northern Beaches Council, the different development controls, or Local Environment Plans (LEP), of the three former Councils are in the process of being consolidated.
While there will be an overall increase in the number of conservation zonings on the Northern Beaches under this proposal, more than 2,000 properties in the former Pittwater Local Government Area will lose these zonings.
Proposed Council plans reveal that in the former Pittwater LGA, 3,613 properties will move from a C (Conservation) zone to an R (Residential) zone, and 1,328 from an R zone to a C zone, resulting in an overall loss of 2,285 properties from Conservation zones.
That compares to an overall gain of 847 C zone properties across the entire Northern Beaches, where the former Manly LGA will lose 54 properties from the Conservation zone and former Warringah will lose one.
Some residents are concerned the move from Conservation to Residential zones could allow for more development in the area and a potential huge loss of natural landscapes, including canopy.
Kirsty Bloore, member of The Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association (CAPBRA), says that the loss of environmental zones could have devastating impacts on the area’s rich biodiversity.
“One of the reasons people choose to live in this area is because of our natural beauty. These zoning changes will make way for multi-dwelling developments and further increase the population density of the area,” she says.
“We can’t afford to lose anymore green space. We need to keep Pittwater a sanctuary for our wildlife and preserve Pittwater’s character, landscape and scenic quality.”
Council CEO Ray Brownlee accepted that some of the proposed zonings might change.
“We’re not going to get this right first go. That’s what this process is all about,” Mr Brownlee said.
Council staff expect that the new LEP will be ready to present to Council in early 2023, before it goes to the incumbent State Government for approval.