Chris Dobney
A revised development application (DA) for the construction of a food factory industrial estate on the edge of Bangalow goes on exhibition again today (Thursday July 6) following a number of amendments.
The Rural Industries Food Precinct, as it is now dubbed, would cover 20 acres opposite the existing Bangalow Industrial Estate and include three factories housing the production facilities of Brookfarm, Salumi and, most likely, Byron Cookie Company.
The highly contentious development has been strongly opposed by the Bangalow Progress Association, while the heat it generated among members of the town’s Chamber of Commerce last year saw the majority of the board walk out, now replaced by members who object to the proposal.
The exhibition of the original DA last year drew a swag of objections to everything from size and scale to the location (just outside Bangalow town on the road to Lismore), noise, odour and the potential for the flooding and pollution of Byron Creek.
The issue of car parking and the amount of traffic the estate would generate was also high on the agenda, with the RMS demanding a peer review of the traffic report.
Following the outcry, the developer, Chase Lismore Road Pty Ltd, has lodged a range of amendments to the DA, which according to Byron Shire Council’s Sustainable Environment Director, Shannon Burt, can be summarised as follows:
- Updated Traffic study to include a peer review of the original report, undertaken in Aug 2016, as well as an updated report dated May 2017;
- Concept plans providing for an upgrade of the intersection of Lismore Road and Slatterys Lane;
- An updated Flood Study;
- Minor revisions to the civil engineering drawings (primarily parking detail; internal road sections, etc.);
- Minor revisions to building plans, including floor plans for smaller buildings;
- Revegetation proposal for the Byron Creek rehabilitation plan.
Owing to the size of the development (valued at more than $20 million) it is out of Byron Shire Council’s hands to approve or refuse. The consent authority will be the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).
Ms Burt told Echonetdaily that, ‘Staff are talking with the JRPP about having them hold a public briefing meeting, prior to the determination of the application. We are waiting for them to confirm whether this will occur.’
The amended DA (10.2016.283.1) is on exhibition until August 2, and can be viewed on the Byron Council website.
Ms Burt said that any submissions, together with those already received, will be reviewed and handed over to the JRPP for consideration.
Council staff will make their recommendation for or against the development at that time, she said.
