The Nelson Bay skyline is set to look quite different in years to come, with Port Stephens Council approving a plan to allow for taller buildings.
Last night, a majority vote of 5 to 4 moved to amend the building height restrictions outlined in the new Town Centre and Foreshore Implementation Plan.
The updated proposal will be forwarded to the Department of Planning.
According to the amendment, structures within the core of the town centre will be allowed to reach heights of only 5 storeys, while buildings on the fringe of the centre can be built as tall as 8 storeys.
"We see it as a positive - we realise we can't continue the way things are, something has to happen," said Deputy Mayor, Sarah Smith.
"We think it's the right decision for the future of Nelson Bay," Ms Smith continued.
Although, not everyone is convinced.
Geoff Washington, President of the Tomaree Ratepayers Association, has expressed his concern regarding the Council's plans.
Mr Washington fears the taller buildings will "virtually destroy the coastal township character" of his hometown.
And he isn't alone in his doubts.
"Nearly 2600 submissions went to the Council - over 90% of those opposed the highrises" Mr Washington explained.
Ms Smith agrees, "if we were talking about Gold Coast-style highrises that would be a negative for the town."
However, she reassures us that "there's certainly nothing like that being proposed" and the public's opinions have been considered throughout the process.
Tomaree Ratepayers Association will be meeting later today.
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| Image: TripAdvisor. |
