Jenny Coman, Bangalow
The proposal for a massive commercial/residential development in Station St, Bangalow, is in complete conflict with the guidelines drawn up for the development of Bangalow in its Settlement Strategy, which was the work of a committee composed very largely of Bangalow residents and of which I was a member.
We envisaged Bangalow retaining its village and heritage character with new buildings respecting heritage guidelines both in size and design, but now we have a proposal that is totally non-compliant in size, bulk and height despite the developer’s consultant trying to tell us that these aspects are justifiable because of the close proximity of the A&I and Masonic halls, a misleading and invalid comparison.
There are many reasons to object to this DA, not least because it will set a precedent for further such proposals and so could lead to the end of Bangalow as we know (and love) it –and some of us also know this is not just idle speculation. And as the proposed access to the development is the lane used by school children to get to school and elsewhere, one must wonder how much research went into this project.
Also we are to have what I think is Bangalow’s first underground car park, which is sure to present problems when it hasn’t even been able to solve the first, ie provide enough spaces. They are seven short and no suggestions as to what to do about it.
Some of us – many of us – are very concerned about this proposal. There will be a public meeting this Thursday January 10 in the Bangalow RSL Hall in Station Street between 6 and 7pm, at which we can expect to have questions answered and be given help with submissions. All welcome.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
