Developer Steve Agnew has won a ten-year battle with Byron Shire Council to build a 316-bed hostel on the old council chambers site in Byron Bay, according to a report in the Melbourne Herald-Sun.
Mr Agnew went through the Land and Environment Court to appeal against Council development charges totalling $3.1 million.
Herald-Sun reporter Geoff Chambers said, ‘The council, led by ex-mayor and Greens upper house MP Jan Barham, did everything it could to hinder progress on the project.
‘Mr Agnew said Byron Council under new mayor Simon Richardson had helped deliver the project.
‘Construction could start next year, once council has finalised its paperwork.
‘Beachbreak Developments managed to limit council charges to $800,000.’
Mr Agnew said the 316-bed hostel would cater for young people and older folk in separate sections.
The heritage-listed old council chambers building will be preserved.
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