Hans Lovejoy
A proposal to rezone a heritage listed Bangalow home for commercial use has residents concerned.
Ian Holmes from the Bangalow Progress Association says his group will be objecting to the DA for 68 Byron Street.
The proposal by Sydney-based owner, Nathan Keevers, is estimated at $1,179,100 and comes with major changes to the original building, which would be used as offices/shops.
Predictably, the applicant’s DA states the proposal is acceptable.
The proposal includes adding another dwelling to the block and adding an extension to the rear of the existing building.
Both buildings would reduce the garden area considerably.
Mr Holmes told The Echo he is concerned about these changes and also the proposed usage for commercial activities.
He said, ‘The LEP (local environment plan) is clear in its zoning and it prohibits commercial use in this zone’.
‘The LEP also protects various heritage aspects, as does the DCP (Development Control Plan), the Bangalow Village Plan and other Byron Strategic Plans’.
Mr Holmes says, given the home is heritage listed with a garden and fence, it ‘gives it a strong reason for refusal’.
‘It’s one of the grand old houses of Bangalow’.
Lack of specifics
Mr Holmes says that Council have, in the past, been supportive of protecting heritage values, and hopes that the same determination will be applied to this development.
Mr Holmes added there is a lack of specifics around what type of commercial activity would operate from the property.
Submissions for DA 10.2020.370.1 are now open and can be made in writing, PO Box 219, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 or email [email protected].
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