Byron Shire Council at its meeting last week approved the development of eight modern units in the Mullumbimby Heritage Conservation Area at 116 Stuart Street.
Although the previous council refused this development at its last meeting, the developers Koho had decided to take council to the Land and Environment Court.
The vote was four-all, with mayor Simon Richardson having the extra deciding vote as (deputy mayor) Cr Basil Cameron was sick and not at the meeting.
Cr Cameron is in fact the only informed councillor about the issue and the other councillors have had no chance to be fully informed on the issue.
The concern was of course the pending cost of the court case. It was really sad that Koho wanted to take council to court, in light of all the support and encouragement the planning department has given the company for its other projects in the shire.
Nor did the company consider the strong opposition from the community for this development.
So now an old house will be demolished and new units built that do not fit in with the character or ambience of the old part of Mullumbimby township.
I hope in the future councillors will realise just how beautiful and historic and precious the old part of town is, and they will try preserve its heritage for future generations to enjoy.
It is the feeling of the whole town that is unique and it is important to preserve the old buildings and houses if we want to keep Mullumbimby as a refuge from the rest of the mad world.
If the old homes get demolished we will finish up being just like the Gold Coast.
Len Bates, Mullumbimby Residents Association, and community representative on council’s Heritage Advisory Committee.
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