The approval comes despite objections raised by adjoining landholders who believe the approval is based on a flawed water study.

The development will be restricted by a number of conditions, including the need to gain legal title before further works can be carried out, a requirement to conduct a background noise study and consideration of the impact of roadworks on the Crystalbrook Road turn off.

It is the second time that the panel has met to consider the application. They met for the first time in August and deferred the decision, citing the need for more information. 

Following the deferral, council engaged the services of an independent planner, who provided a number of reports which were the basis for the JRPP to make their decision. 

In addressing the meeting, Chair of the JRPP Garry West said that in hindsight both the approval of earthworks in March and approval of the subdivision in May were premature. However, he defended Guyra Shire Council saying that they were within their rights to make these decisions.

Mr West said that it had been a difficult decision given the amount of work that had been done without fully understanding the implications. 

“This has put us in an awkward position with so much work already done, and we are aware that this has undermined public confidence,” he said.

The Panel approved the first part of the two-stage construction proposal to build four glasshouses across a 20-hectare site for intensive tomato cultivation and the adjoining tomato production buildings including: a package shed; cool room; workshop; administration and staff facilities. 

Mr West said the application, worth $56.5 million in Capital Investment Value, had addressed the necessary requirements of planning legislation, including state policies and provisions of Guyra Shire Council. 

“In responding to the statutory requirements, the applicant has outlined how potential impacts on noise, ground water and chemical usage will be managed. 

“The development’s likely impacts on soil erosion and environmental aspects, local landscape, noise levels have been addressed in the approval’s conditions of consent. 

“The development’s impact on ground and surface water is currently being addressed by the Office of Water. 

Oliver Flint who is the General Manager for the Costa Group (tomato category) said that they were happy that the decision was a positive one. He said that following the deferral in August the Costa Group had ‘followed all the protocols and compiled the necessary reports’ that the JRPP had requested.

In regard to water concerns by landholders he indicated that the Office of Water were the ones who are ‘qualified to make the decision’. 

The imposition of conditions will impact the timeline for the development and delay the commencement of building works on the site. 

Mr Flint said they will need to adjust their plans and defer the commencement of building until such time as the conditions have been met.