Hans Lovejoy
A contentious affordable- housing project is set to go ahead on a house block on Stuart Street, Mullumbimby, after councillors voted to allow it with units reduced from ten to eight.
The topic consumed the entire morning at last Thursday’s final Council meeting; initially a rescission motion got up with the help of Cr Di Woods, which asked for more consultation with the developers.
The retiring councillor had a change of heart over what appeared to be concerns over its small size – she had previously voted for it to proceed.
But after lunch everything changed, and it appeared an agreement had been struck to go forth instead with six one-bedroom units, two two-bedroom units, with a minimum of two units being ‘provided for affordable-housing purposes.’
The caveat from council was consent not being granted ‘until council is satisfied that the plans for the development have been amended’ to reflect the changes.
Residents had been active in opposing the development, which they say would create a precedent with regard to heritage and density. Yet such a development – which would be the only block of units in the area – is permissible under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) policy.
The approval also comes with 11 pages of conditions for Koho Projects Pty Ltd, who are also in the process of building affordable housing elsewhere in Byron Shire.
KPoM approved
And while many other items were voted upon last Thursday, a significant item that had been delayed for many years will proceed to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
The Byron Coast Koala Plan of Management was finally adopted!
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