12 Jun 2024
Raffertys Resort has been green lit for a facelift in a bid to bolster tourism offerings in Lake Macquarie.
Councillors endorsed two items at tonight’s Standing Committee Meeting to pave the way for development at the Cams Wharf destination, pending approval from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
The first was a planning proposal to allow an increase in maximum building heights at the resort, enabling tourism development capable of attracting a five-star hotel operator.
The second was a development application to give consent for construction of a new pub, ancillary function centre, swimming pool and car park within Raffertys Resort.
The new pub would replace the existing tavern and function centre building.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the proposals sought to fill a gap in the region’s tourism offerings.
“Lake Macquarie is a fantastic visitor destination, but we currently lack supply in terms of large, branded four-star or higher hotel and executive apartment properties,” she said.
“This development would enhance the city’s existing tourism strengths and provide premium accommodation in a lake front location, close to nature reserves and recreation opportunities.”
A planning proposal is a document and supporting information that explains the intended effect and justification of a proposed amendment to a Local Environmental Plan.
Local Environmental Plans guide planning decisions for local government areas through zoning and development controls.
A landowner, developer or an individual seeking to amend the zoning or development standards that apply to land they own, or have an interest in, may initiate a planning proposal.
Council support of the planning proposal is required before it is able to be submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment for Gateway Determination.
If the Department issues a Gateway Determination, a proposal proceeds to community consultation and any submissions are considered before making amendments to the planning controls.
1 Lorikeet Loop and 2 Wild Duck Drive, Cams Wharf
The planning proposal seeks to increase the maximum building height permitted from 8.5m to 16m at 1 Wild Duck Drive, Cams Wharf, and up to 36.5m at 2 Lorikeet Loop, Cams Wharf, to enable tourist development of a scale to attract a five-star hotel operator.
Above: Existing building height (left) and proposed building height (right)
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