A packed community meeting in Mullumbimby saw concerned locals and residents come together to discuss the proposed $8.2 million, 50-unit, co-living development called The Nest proposed for 115-119 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby.
This is a private development that will see a ‘high-density residential building’ in a low-density area according to Heath Milton who lives opposite the development site.
The presenters to the meeting identified 11 objections that they addressed throughout the meeting. They say E1 zoning is not appropriate for the current cafe and artists residences provided on the ground floor. They have concerns over parking and road congestion, lack of public transport, flooding, stormwater, and draining, as well as the bulk, scale, heritage and character of the development.
‘Under the E1 zoning it is supposed to be a commercial focus but this is a primarily residential development. Over time these types of developments that push the limits of the planning controls change the town. It creates a town that isn’t in the public interest,’ Mr Milton told the meeting.
‘These types of high-density developments are often seen in cities that are close to public transport which we don’t have in Mullumbimby. The size bulk and scale of this proposed development is very different from every other building in Mullumbimby. It has gone to the maximum height allowed and is built to the boundary.
‘This is more like a boarding house and can have up to 66 residents. This is not in alignment with anything else currently in Mullumbimby.’
Mr Milton told the meeting that he was in support of truly affordable housing in Mullumbimby and that he was invested in the long-term wellbeing of the town.
‘I think something can co-exist in a smaller scale at this site.’
Oni Blecher also raised the three to 12-month lease structure on the units saying that it raised concerns over social and community cohesion in the town.
Developer says it is permitted under current zoning
Previously speaking to The Echo about concerns over the DA’s size and scale of the proposal, and its impact on local traffic and amenity, Cadre’s Founder and Creative Director Christopher Tyas said that the development was a far less intensive use of the site than was permitted under the present zoning and that it complied with all height and floorspace controls.
He said that containing the recreational areas inside the first floor meant noise could not spread to nearby residences, and that experts had determined the development would be low impact in terms of traffic.
Mr Tyas also responded to the argument that the development could not reasonably be described as a co-living residence as it was more akin to a high-density apartment building. He said that the proposal provided for communal floor space of 142m² and open communal area of 601m². This provision is well in excess of the standards prescribed for co-living.
Find out more
If you are interested in finding out more about what was discussed at the public meeting email the organisers: [email protected].
The development application for this project is currently on public exhibition and submissions can be made via the YourSay section of Council’s website.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
