I would like to bring to the notice of Guyra Citizens the development proposal for a “Manufactured Home Estate – 20 dwellings” as advertised by Council in last week’s Guyra Argus.

The address given for this development is 56 Oban Street; however, access to this “Manufactured Home Estate” will be from Llangothlin Street.

These dwellings are described as “transportable home accommodation” and each dwelling will occupy a space less than 150 square metres.  

Council advises that the dwellings will be solely rental accommodation and are 

aimed at single family, low income people and itinerant workers.  

The current housing provided by council for low income people is not fully occupied, so why do we need more?

There is also the stigma of “them and us”.  Statistics show that crime rates increase dramatically with high density housing occupied by the low socio-economic demographic. 

When the new Tomato Farm development is completed, what other projects are planned which will require housing for itinerant workers?

In Council’s development proposal advertisement it was stated that the documentation could be inspected on Council’s website.  As for trying to find and view the application on the website it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.  Eventually, it was found hiding amongst Armidale development applications.

Some immediate concerns about this proposed development include:  

* Drainage of the low-lying land which is within a natural watercourse;

* Increased stormwater and sewage into a system which is already overloaded and often overflows onto neighbouring properties when it rains;

* Consequent health issues from the above item;

* Increased pressure on the town water supply;

* Habitat destruction of wildlife – this land is home to a variety of frogs, plovers’ nesting ground, ringtail possums, and a number of species of parrots and birdlife;

* Decrease in property value of surrounding housing.

We are very fortunate in Guyra that we have the space for civilised living rather than being crammed into unit blocks or other high density housing. 

Why is our Council now so hell bent on destroying our living standards and the integrity of our town with this monstrous manufactured home estate?

I urge all residents, whether or not directly affected by this development, to protest to council against this development. Who knows, it could soon be coming to a block of land near you!

Dorothy Lockyer

“Ghetto” Development 

We would like to express our disappointment and concerns with the proposed development application for the 20 manufactured dwellings/mini cabin park at 56 Oban St which will actually be accessed off Llangothlin St via a single lane?

Our obvious objections are:

1. De-value real estate in Guyra

Council have advised these dwellings are classed as low income demountable accommodation

We have absolutely no objections to good quality, comfortable family homes being built in Guyra, as this would provide more incentive to attract families to town and portray a desirable image of our unique RURAL town

2. Increased Crime Rate

It is proven that these sort high density dwellings increase crime.

Will this lead to gang related activity in our RURAL town?

3. Lack of Infrastructure

In time of heavy rainfall existing neighbours are subject to flooding due to the lack of curb & guttering and over-loaded storm water drains. Our sewage system cannot cope, therefore what effect would this development have on an already struggling structure?

Can Llangothlin St handle the extra traffic load? What happens at an already dangerous intersection (Ollera, Bradley and Llangothlin Sts)?

4. Inconsistency with Surrounds

These demountable dwellings would be totally uncharacteristic with the existing family housing within the area.

If these developments are successful with council’s approval there will only be a negative impact now and long term on our idealistic rural town as we are already receiving backlash from surrounding districts with regards to the developments in Sandon and Vernon Sts.

We believe the same developer made an application to council a few years ago for the same sort of demountable dwellings in Stevenson St and thank goodness was refused at that time.

We are of the understanding that our local council should work with local people to agree and deliver on local priorities and that they should be responsible for the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their community.

Guyra locals need to stand united and council needs to listen.

Rod and Denise Ramage

Buildings out of character

It is with great concern that I read in last week’s Guyra Argus of an application for the development of a manufactured home estate in Oban St. On further investigation the entrance to this estate will be from Llangothlin St, and it will be for low income people and itinerant workers. What is a manufactured home? I presume that these homes will be of a pre-fabricated variety. This land area is of a semi-rural nature and these buildings would be completely out of character and cause all existing homes in the area to drop in value.

Such a concentration of 20 dwellings in one area will surely cause many social issues.

Guyra’s already stressed water supply could not sustain developments of this nature without major works to the existing dams. 

I hope that Guyra Shire Council will keep in mind the impact that such a development will have on the social fabric and overall appearance of our town and will give very careful consideration to this development application and any such future development applications.

Heather Starr

Substandard Dog-box Housing

Council currently has a development proposal to build 20 demountable 1 and 2 bedroom units on a very limited area in Llangothlin/Oban St.

These units are little more than cheap dog boxes. These are intended to house itinerant workers.

Itinerant workers are still human beings! They, like everyone, still deserve decent housing!

If this is allowed to go ahead, the whole of Guyra will eventually consist of sub-standard housing, what sort of impress will this give visitors to our town? 

Do the owners of the tomato farm not care if their workers are being treated unfairly?

Does the council not care that this housing will make Guyra an undesirable place to live? 

We have to stop this now before it spreads all over town.  These investors need to be told to build decent housing that will be able to be sold for a reasonable price at a later date if the tomato farm closes. 

Lorna Fernance