Lake Macquarie City Council is determined to protect the rustic village appeal of both West Wallsend and Holmesville moving forward.
It means any future construction in that region must consider the area’s heritage conservation values, primarily related to its mining history, following the adoption of a proposal at Monday night’s meeting.
The move also prevents unsuitable demolitions and new exempt or complying developments that disregard the local context.
It’s understood the targeted controls echo those already applied to Heritage Conservation Areas in Catherine Hill Bay and Teralba.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz said the plan offered a logical and consistent approach.
“Council has a responsibility to protect items of local significance and to recognise, value and protect Lake Macquarie’s heritage,” he explained.
“This plan will better safeguard the legacy of the area and guide appropriate development in these historic suburbs.”
The concept is likely to extend the West Wallsend Heritage Conservation Area to include the West Wallsend colliery and parts of Holmesville, reduce maximum new building heights in select areas and revise the boundary of the heritage area.
Submissions received during public exhibition resulted in some changes to the revised plan.
Council recommended the North Creek Flood Study and Teralba Reserve Plan of Management for adoption, too.
It followed similar public exhibition periods.
“With council now owning the Teralba Reserve site, adopting the plan of management ensures the reserve remains a community-focused site for both recreation and reflection of those have passed,” Cr Shultz said.
“I understand the plan addresses community feedback from public exhibition in late 2024.”
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