A controversial housing development will not go ahead after it was refused at the monthly meeting of Guyra Shire Council on Monday. The proposal, valued at $700,000, was submitted by REGS Construction for the construction of a manufactured home estate consisting of 20 dwellings on a block of land between Oban and Llangothlin Streets.
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There was widespread opposition to the development and council received 46 submissions raising objections to the development. Chief among the concerns raised were increased traffic, pedestrian access, stormwater and sewerage systems, disabled access, noise and nuisance.
Nearby residents feared all of these issues would have a detrimental impact on the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the entire community.
Des Copeland addressed the council meeting on Monday representing concerned residents. He told the meeting that while they believe in development for Guyra, he said ‘such developments must enhance our community and not detract from the integrity of the town and downgrade living standards’.
He identified four key reasons for opposing the development, being the fact that it was situated on a battle axe block, that zoning precluded a manufactured home estate on the site, narrow access handle and stormwater and sewerage.
A report to council by Karl Bock (Manager Planning Regulatory and Community Services) agreed with many of the resident’s concerns. In addition to zoning issues and the narrow access handle he identified lack of privacy, solar access and insufficient information relating to stormwater drainage.
The developer was requested to provide additional information, however this was not received. Mr Bock’s recommendation to council that the development application be refused was passed unanimously.
A second controversial development application for the construction of 47 homes in Ollera Street is still under consideration.