Paul Bibby
Two contentious Development Applications (DAs) are set to come before this week’s Byron Council meeting, setting the scene for some lively debate.
Both DAs, which are at opposite ends of the Shire, feature zoning issues, with developers accused of pushing the envelope in terms of what’s allowed within local planning rules.
The first on the agenda is a proposal for a mixed-use retail, business and housing development at 7 Tweed Street in Brunswick Heads.
Bruns locals have objected to the proposal on a number of grounds, including the loss of privacy and amenity for neighbours, the increased traffic it will create, and the fact that it is ‘inconsistent with the character of Brunswick Heads’.
There is also serious concerns about the fact that, if approved, the development would feature the town’s first underground carpark, something that a number of residents have opposed for some time.
‘This DA, if approved, will mark the beginning of the end for the village of Brunswick Heads,’ one local resident told The Echo.
Those who oppose the proposal also say that the construction of a basement carpark is inconsistent with the intent of the Development Control Plan for Brunswick Heads and the B4 zoning for the site in question.
But Council staff, in recommending approval of the development, say that ‘basement carparks are not contrary to the planning requirements for B4 zoned land in Brunswick Heads’.
‘The proposed development is considered appropriate for the site having regards to the B4 Zoning and other planning controls that apply to the site.’
Staff have also recommended approval of the other contentious development application coming before this week’s meeting – a community title subdivision application for 139 Broken Head Reserve Road, Broken Head.
The proposal is the latest in a series of applications on the site going back nearly 25 years which have seen it turned into a tourist accommodation facility.
However, in this case the developer is seeking to turn part of the site back into a residential area by getting permission for a community title subdivision.
Once again, zoning issues have arisen with the plan.
In a comprehensive letter of objection, a nearby resident has argued that the SP3 Tourism zoning does not permit residential development.
The resident also argues that the proposal doesn’t comply with the minimum subdivision lot size for the area in question, and that it will create further fragmentation and additional impacts on the highly sensitive and significant local environment, which include critically endangered littoral rainforest and wetlands.
‘As a resident of Broken Head who has lived in the locality for almost 30years and currently resides oppose the development I believe this application does not respect and serve the interests of the natural environment and is prohibited by the LEP,’ the resident said.
Both applications are set to be debated and then voted upon by councillors at Thursday’s meeting.
Stay tuned to echo.net.au for the outcomes.