The NSW planning minister Kristina Keneally has today refused planning for a residential development at beach north of Sydney and given the entire site heritage status, amid doubts about the sustainability of the project.

The pristine beach location raised uncertainties over the sustainability of the project, which would have allowed a 25 lot residential subdivision at Currawong Beach.

The site lies below the one in 100 year flood level and is subject to inundation from the creek and shoreline recession from Pittwater, Keneally said.

“While it would be technically possible for the valley floor to be developed, it would not be justifiable considering the susceptibility of the site to shoreline recession and flooding during high tides or storms,” she said.

Problems with the project application itself also led to the refusal of the application. An unacceptable visual impact on neighbouring historic workers’ cottages, insensitivity to the Aboriginal archaeological sites and the historic workers cottages, inadequate parking and problems with the proposed method of wastewater disposal, were cited as “not adequate” by the minister.

The heritage listing will ensure that the buildings receive a minimum standard of maintenance and direct any future development applications to the NSW Heritage Council.

Keneally said that in light of her decision, the process to rezone the site and declare it as State significant would not progress.

“Considering that this development application has been refused, I have decided that any zoning issues may be resolved by Pittwater Council through the comprehensive local environmental plan process.”

Gemma Battenbough

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