Sue Brooks’ Blog

sue September 12th, 2008

Some interesting reports on what some would consider to be controversial development applications were decided by Councillors last Wednesday. Firstly was a report for a Child Care Centre proposed for 15 & 17 Grevillea Street, Kawungun. The report recommended refusal primarily due to noise, amenity and traffic issues and all the Councillors agreed. The neighbouring residents tell me that they are very pleased with this outcome. There are other child care centres close by to this proposed location so I support the decision to not allow another centre at that location.

Next was an Application for Development Permit for Material Change of Use for Multiple Units (Exceeding Two Storeys in Height) & Restaurant/Food Services And Development Permit for Operational Works (Vegetation Removal) – Setcorp Developments Pty Ltd - Located at 392 Esplanade and 84 Freshwater Street, Torquay. This building will be 6 storeys high and is between the Riviera and White Crest developments. I voted against this application primarily on the grounds that the building exceeded site cover. Site coverage is, in my opinion, actually 30% which should equate to a 4 storey building according to our Planning Scheme. All the other Councillors agreed with the report recommendations and voted approval for this development so the development can go ahead. We did amend the conditions to ensure we have a water proof basement car park which should eliminate the need for continual pumping out of fresh water.

Then we had an Application For Material Change Of Use – Other Residential - Thirty Four (34) Dwelling Units – Adham Unit Trust C/ Urban Planet Town Planning Consultants – 54 Woongool Road, Tinana. While there are concerns about the traffic generated from this development funds have been allocated, by the developer, to Main Roads to facilitate intersection upgrade works. I (reluctantly) supported this application as did all my fellow Councillors. The Maryborough Planning Scheme permits this type of development so I really do hope that Main Roads will now be obligated to deal with this intersection to Gympie Rd and improve it which will benefit existing residents.

Next was a Material Change Of Use – Development Permit – Community Activities (Storage Shed)– Lions Club of Tiaro and District - Located at Inman Street, Tiaro which was agreed to.

Then we had a controversial application which is Application for Material Change of Use – Other Residential – 11 Units and Preliminary Approval – Building Works - R & A Nicholson - 309 Lennox Street, Maryborough. The Maryborough community had voiced strong opposition to this application with over 500 submissions received against the proposed units on this site. The report to Council recommended refusal and this was carried unanimously. I was very pleased with this result as I believed that the building design was inappropriate and would detract from the visual amenity of such a precious area. This decision was also a unanimous one which was pleasing. I do believe that people power is a very important component of the Development Application process.

The last application agenda item was a negotiated decision for an already approved development located at 47 Freshwater Street and Gossner Street, Scarness. Again all Councillors agreed with the officers recommendations in relation to this development in particular emphasising the requirement to have the open drain, which adjoins this development, treated in an attractive manner and incorporating water sensitive urban design principles.

So a mixed bag of development applications and the push for more tall buildings along the foreshore in Hervey Bay continues it seems.

• Development issues
• Comments(0)