For a development that has around 98 per cent of the local community in opposition, doesn’t meet the towns development control plan (DCP), and fails to meet the objectives laid out in the Mullumbimby Masterplan for the entrance to town, it is no surprise that some councillors have finally asked the Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) what it would take for them to support the development application (DA), removing the only car park in central Mullumbimby at 57 Station Street to build flats.
Brenden Lawless, owner of the Top Pub, the Middle Pub, properties adjacent to 57 Station Street, and other businesses in central Mullumbimby, told The Echo, ‘Being the local publican, I’ve never seen a more vehemently opposed topic in the pub. It’s extremely unpopular.’
The Mullumbimby community has been consistent and clear over many years in relation to what it values in relation to the appearance of the town and where it can see housing developments going, including social and affordable housing.
Heritage report
‘The DCP records that the township is unusual in having a uniform scale and character of traditional buildings laid out in an historic grid, in a beautiful setting in the lee of Mount Chincogan,’ says the convenor of the MRA, Dale Emerson.
An independent heritage assessment of the development application (DA) for 57 Station Street commissioned by the MRA (see page 17) clearly states that the proposed building ‘has a design and architectural character that does not respect the established heritage character and significance of the conservation area, and would introduce a form that is, in her words, “entirely different to the significant historic character” of the area,’ says Mr Emerson.
The Mullumbimby Masterplan specifically highlighted the entrance to the town as an ‘opportunity to welcome residents home, and visitors to Mullumbimby… The gateway is an opportunity to reflect Mullumbimby’s “green” image.’
‘I think it is a shame that such a beautiful and charming little town may have this addition at the main entrance to the town. A building that large will mean we lose the view of our local Mount Chincogan as we enter the town,’ said Mr Lawless.
‘Mullum is really flying. It is the character of a town like Mullum that is really important and distinctive. That is really important to local businesses; that is what brings people to town and creates business success.
‘In my view, at the point they lost having the existing car parks underneath for the public like originally intended, they should have stopped it there. It’s a well-intended project but just is in the wrong spot’
The Mullumbimby community has been clear for years about where they think affordable and social housing should go. The community fought tirelessly for the flood-free land at the former Mullumbimby Hospital site to be returned to the community for social and affordable housing.
‘Our Mullumbimby Masterplan, adopted in December 2019, is not a document that opposes housing,’ said Mr Emerson.
‘Council’s own project material records that the rail corridor land was identified as desirable for long-term affordable housing by Council and the community in that masterplan. Mullumbimby did not say no to affordable housing. It said where.’
Compromise?
Responding to some councillors’ requests for a meeting and ‘if there were any circumstances under which MRA could support the construction of affordable housing on 57 Station Street,’ the MRA said they had ‘12 conditions which we believe would address the concerns raised by residents in relation to the proposed development,’ said Mr Emerson.
Key to their response was that the DA go back to its original proposal of affordable and social housing above a public car park; that the entrance from Station Street be retained; that the building is only one storey above the existing car park; it complies with the 9m height limit; fits in with the heritage of the area; that the heritage-listed toilet be retained; rear access to be maintained for businesses; and that construction not to commence until an alternative car park is constructed, among others.
The MRA has nonetheless remained clear that they ‘still do not believe that 57 Station Street is the optimal site for affordable housing’.
Time to reset?
‘I am hoping all the councillors take a breath and the opportunity to reflect and think about what legacy this is leaving on the town permanently in such a high-profile position,’ Mr Lawless said.
‘When they drive into Mullumbimby in the future, will they be happy with this, or would they then agree it could have been done better. I feel now is the time to take the opportunity to hit reset.
‘The things that are in our control we should take the opportunity to get right. In my opinion, this proposal just doesn’t work in this spot for this town, and someone from Council should just step in and acknowledge this and look for a better site, as it is a well-intended project but just in the wrong location.
‘This is something that has such vehement opposition from the locals. I thought that would have had more impact on the councillors and their direction with this development,’ he said.
‘I’m hoping the mayor hits pause as a result of the major concerns from the community. I’ve been highly impressed with the mayor’s efforts to date, and she has been brilliant in supporting business and the community, and I hope she can reassess this one and look at other sites for this development.’
Submissions close 16 August at www.byron.nsw.gov.au.
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