CCBR Business Review

18 P R O P E R T Y N E W S Minister introduces new planning procedure for Development Applications Media Release 8 August 2017 INDEPENDENT HEARING AND Assessment Panels (IHAPs) will become mandatory for all councils in Sydney and Wollongong to guard against cor- ruption and lead to better local plan- ning decisions. Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, and Minister for Local Government, Gabrielle Upton, announced the Government would set clear criteria for which development applications (DAs) are to go to the panels. Mr Roberts said that mandatory IHAPs would bring expertise, transpar- ency and integrity to the assessment of DAs at the local level. “It is essential the Government has a transparent and accountable process in place when assessing DAs of signifi- cant value, when there is a conflict of interest for the council or developer, or when they are of a sensitive nature,” Mr Roberts said. “By making IHAPs mandatory, local councils will be able to focus on pro- viding community services, strategic plans and development controls for their local area.” Mr Roberts pointed out that Wollongong and 15 Sydney metropoli- tan councils were already successfully using IHAPs on a voluntary basis. The new Bill will propose a standard model for IHAPs comprising three independent expert members and a community member. The community member will rep- resent the geographical area within the LGA of the proposed develop- ment, to provide local perspective. “Introducing IHAPs will provide additional safeguards, expertise and transparency into planning decisions,” Ms Upton said. “We expect these panels to give communities and ratepayers greater certainty about planning decisions.” IHAP members will have to be expert in one or more of the follow- ing fields: planning, architecture, her- itage, the environment, urban design, economics, traffic and transport, law, engineering, tourism, or government and public administration. The chair must also have expertise in law or government and public administration. The panel members themselves will be subject to statutory rules such as a compulsory code of con- duct and operational procedures for the panels. Further selection criteria will be outlined in the recruitment process. Councils will be able to share a panel to improve efficiencies and in the regional parts of the state, panels would remain voluntary. Local councils will still process most applications for individual hous- es or alterations to existing houses quality, wash and wear modern Bohemian clothing for women of all sizes - our aim has always been to provide ‘size inclusive’, fashion basics for the modern woman” said Mrs Berlach. “Our business grew organically month by month as we developed a unique audience through the blogging community and this led to us opening our Erina Heights bou- tique in June 2016 which for a tiny store appears to be significantly outperforming other well known retailers with double the footprint in large malls.” Commenting on their growth Mr Berlach said he believes the demand for their prod- uct comes from the quality of their product offering and the high level of customer ser- vice that their team provides in-store and with online sales.  “Certainly that is the feed- back we are getting across the business, and in the boutique particularly” he said. Last year the Berlachs’ purchased a 172 sqm warehouse unit in Bonnal Road, Erina which will become their head office in 2018 and accommodate the growing staff numbers which at present is eleven; the adjacent leased warehouse space will be retained as a dedicated distribution / ware- housing / order fulfilment centre. Mr Berlach said the next twelve months will see the Bohemian Traders brand open two or three new boutiques in areas that match their customer demographic.  “We are currently in the due diligence stages of reviewing available real estate options and we are quite excited about expanding our bricks and mortar presence.  This will allow us to provide more of our customers with a seamlessly integrated instore/online experience.” Bohemian Trader’s success to continue into 2018 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 $220 sqm for Tuggerah industrial a record No 1 Fleet Close, Tuggerah Business Park, a vacant level lot, has sold for a record $720,000 plus GST or $220 per sqm to a local developer representing one of the highest prices paid in the Park. The 3,265 sqm corner lot has a front- age to Fleet Close and Reliance Drive. It is the first time it has changed hands since 2004. The sale was negotiated by Dan Mason and Mark Davies from Chapman & Frazer Real Estate. LEASINGS Erina offices leased Suite 3, 167 The Entrance Road, Erina of 215 sqm has been leased to Retire Australia on a 3 x 3 year lease at a rent- al of $59,500 plus Outgoings and GST. The office, which was formerly leased to Stevens Construction who relocated about 2 years ago to another larger office is Erina, is part of a high profile modern complex on the main road with tenants including Rivers and PRP Imaging. The lease was negotiated by Dan Mason from Chapman & Frazer Real Estate in conjunction with Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast. Battery World leases at Wadalba Battery World has leased a 114 sqm retail shop at 1A London Drive, Wadalba. The recently constructed premises are located adjacent to McDonalds and 7 Eleven and Isuzu on the Pacific Highway. Terms of the lease are 6 years with 2 x 6 year options at a rental of $35,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Chris Watson from Chapman & Frazer Real Estate. Medical company leases at Wyoming Paratus Clinical Pty Ltd, a clinical research company, has leased suite 4 in Unit 2, 470 Pacific Highway, Wyoming. The 220 sqm commercial suite is part of the 5 Ways Family Practice in the 5-Ways complex in Wyoming. Terms of lease are 4 years with 4 year option at a rental of $45,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Chris Watson from Chapman &Frazer Real Estate negotiated the lease. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2018