A COMMUNITY meeting has been scheduled to inform interested parties about the proposed development of a Helipad adjacent to the Anna Bay Lawn Cemetery.

Hundreds of people turned out to protest this development when it was first put to the community, citing concerns over the number of flight movements, location and community impact.

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The Development Application seeks consent for an aircraft facility – helipad, dual occupancy, and infrastructure including hangars, offices, car parking and civil works over two stages at 4136 Nelson Bay Road, Anna Bay.

The original DA included 280 helicopter movements per week.

Port Stephens Council previously denied the development application on grounds including that the proposed development is inconsistent with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2013.

Council also deemed the development would be likely to detract from the rural character of the locality and impact the surrounding land uses negatively.

The development was considered likely to have a negative social impact on the locality and the development was considered unsuitable for the site.

The developer is now taking the proposed development to the Land and Environment Court.

A public meeting is being held at Nelson Bay Bowling Club on 5 February at 10am.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said, “The helipad proposal wasn’t supported by Council or the community.

“The Land and Environment Court has a history of making decisions that are contrary to local views.

“So it’s helpful for concerned residents to understand the process and how they can voice their concerns.”

Local resident Peter Sheriff told News Of The Area, “Council will make a presentation at the meeting on 5 February on the proposal and we hope to address the Land and Environment Court Conciliation Conference on 13 March regarding the objection.”

The current key objections to the proposed development are the number of flights, the proximity to the cemetery, flight plans, proximity to housing including Sunrise and Homestead over 55’s accommodation and lack of parking.

The meeting should take no longer than one hour.

Everyone is welcome.

By Marian SAMPSON