Local Planning Panel - Thursday 2 July 2026

Topics

• Summerland Point group home approved after tree-impact review
  A contested group home proposal at 30 Summerland Road moved from deferral to approval after further assessment of 85 trees and ecological impacts.
  The decision affects a specific neighbourhood and responds to major community concerns about tree removal, the nature of the use, and available infrastructure and services.
• Later approval recorded subject to conditions
  The minutes also record that, after further information and revised plans were provided, the development application was approved subject to conditions circulated to the Panel, with amendments regulating changes to the approved use, correcting a condition reference and making a further amendment to Condition 2.18.
  The approval enables the proposed group home, subject to conditions addressing use, environmental impacts, tree protection and ecological management.
• Group home application initially deferred
  DA/440/2025 for a group home and ancillary development at Lot 3 DP 270067, 30 Summerland Road, Summerland Point, was deferred so the applicant could address detailed issues concerning tree removal, particularly the 85 trees in the central part of the site.
  Residents received further scrutiny of tree impacts before the application proceeded.

Decisions

• Group home application initially deferred
  DA/440/2025 for a group home and ancillary development at Lot 3 DP 270067, 30 Summerland Road, Summerland Point, was deferred so the applicant could address detailed issues concerning tree removal, particularly the 85 trees in the central part of the site.
  Residents received further scrutiny of tree impacts before the application proceeded.
• Later approval recorded subject to conditions
  The minutes also record that, after further information and revised plans were provided, the development application was approved subject to conditions circulated to the Panel, with amendments regulating changes to the approved use, correcting a condition reference and making a further amendment to Condition 2.18.
  The approval enables the proposed group home, subject to conditions addressing use, environmental impacts, tree protection and ecological management.

Discussion

• Tree removal and ecological impacts
  Council staff and consultants raised concerns about impacts on 85 trees. Further arboricultural assessments and other technical reports were later provided and accepted by Council staff. Conditions include tree protection, inspections, verification and relocation of hollow-bearing tree sections through a Biodiversity Management Plan.
  The development may involve significant vegetation removal, while conditions are intended to manage habitat and ecological risks.
• Community opposition and uncertainty about the use
  The proposal attracted significant written submissions, and seven people addressed the Panel against approval. Concerns included uncertainty about the nature of the group home and a perceived lack of infrastructure and services to support it.
  Residents raised concerns about the type of occupants and whether local services and infrastructure are adequate.

Impacts

• The approved development, if implemented, will affect the Summerland Point site at 30 Summerland Road.
• Any change from the use described in the Plan of Management dated 17 February 2026 requires separate approval.
• Environmental conditions apply to tree removal, habitat protection, landscaping and construction activities.
• The minutes contain both an initial deferral and a later approval record, indicating that the application proceeded after additional information was supplied.

Places

• 30 Summerland Road, Summerland Point (development site)
  Site of DA/440/2025 for a group home and ancillary development.
• Summerland Point (locality)
  Locality affected by the proposed development and related community concerns.

Next

• Applicant and Council staff to address the tree-removal issues identified in the supplementary addendum and provide further technical information.
  Following the initial deferral; further information was provided in stages during July 2026.
• Implement the approved development in accordance with the amended conditions of consent and the approved Plan of Management.
  If and when the approval is acted on.
• Seek separate approval for any change to the group home use from the Plan of Management dated 17 February 2026.
  Before any proposed change of use.

Extract

OFFICIAL Central Coast Council MINUTES of the Local Planning Panel Meeting Held remotely online via Teams Thursday 2 July 2026 Panel Members Chairperson Jason Perica Panel Experts Louise Menday Greg Woodhams Community Representative Robert Carter Central Coast Council Staff Attendance Antonia Stuart Section Manager - Development Advisory Services Kim Coghlan Civic Support Officer DFP Planning Attendance Henry Burnett Director - DFP Planning Natasha Bartley Principal Planner - DFP Planning The Chairperson, Jason Perica declared the meeting open at 12:00pm and advised that the meeting was being audio recorded. The Chairperson gave an Acknowledgement of Country Statement. Apologies The Panel n...