Thanks to The Echo for reporting on page 2 last week, the vote 5/3 of Council to approve modification of a motel approval in Lawson Street.
The original approval allowed the building to exceed the area’s height limit, but it can now go even higher.
Councillors also approved longer operating hours and more patrons than recommended by Council staff, and they waived the restaurant’s development contribution to street parking.
Council’s decision not only enables over-development on this property but also invites others to follow suit.
The subheading within The Echo’s article is a bit misleading. Sarah Ndiaye is one of eight councillors and the only Green. She spoke against, and voted against, the motion which was brought on by the two Labor councillors. The heading ‘Led by Labor, Greens’ is incorrect.
If elected to the next Council, I’ll vote for sticking to planning rules and for keeping our Shire free of high-rise. By setting and sticking to clear boundaries, Council will avoid the court challenges that the councillors fear. That fear forces them to yield to all requests, so the requests just get bigger.
Duncan ! You are back !
Where have you been hiding for the past months ?
As for you silly comment ‘ By setting and sticking to clear boundaries, Council will avoid the court challenges that the councillors fear.’ is complete rubbish , which any well read aspiring Mayor should know .
The last time the Council did this involving , setting and sticking to clear boundaries, cost the Byron Shire and its residents $100,000.00 in costs !
Time to disappear again , Duncan , to keep swatting up on what it takes to be an Mayor of Byron .
PS. An invisible Campaign presence may be your best stratagy …..
But how are you going fit this one be under the height limits now our Mayor Michael “a Rose by any other name” Lyons has had his way – based solely on his view of how a future court might rule. Too late, the precedent has been established. The reality is now without Mayor Michael/Rose taking expensive legal action on behalf of the council, THIS is the new height limit. And floorspace ratio. And provision of parking.