Councillors fail to undo industrial area planning decision amid consultation failure

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council has failed to overturn a key August planning decision which has sparked complaints from residents.

A drawn-out debate amid procedural uncertainty last week saw the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council initially try to undo a decision which allowed caretaker dwellings to be included in permissions for the new light industrial area, situated off the perimeter road.

Mystery surrounded the reason for the proposed revocation motion to undo the decision, with attachments referred to in the late item not included in the meeting papers.

What became clear during the meeting was the shire advertised the proposal for feedback without informing residents about the potential for business owners to be living in the new LIA.

This occurred because – during the previous decision, which remained intact despite last week’s efforts – it was the developer’s own submission taken on board during the meeting and not an advertised feature of the plan.

Cr David Binks said he received calls and emails after reports about the August decision identified the inclusion of homes, with others wanting the same consideration.

“There is the confusion, there is the disillusion in our community,” he said.

“It’s now created an unfair playing field.”

Planning consultant Peter Gleed, representing the LIA’s owner, questioned whether it was concern about feral cats which made councillors seek to undo their approval for 17 caretaker cottages the developer said were essential for the project to get off the ground.

“The proponent remains oblivious as to the reasons for the revocation motion,” he said.

“Any objection about cats … should be readily allayed. There is no justification for the decision of August 28 to be revoked.”

Deputy shire president Tracey Muir questioned Mr Gleed about whether feral animal fencing was stipulated in the earlier approval for the site, but shire president Julia Meldrum later refuted the feral feline concerns despite no one clarifying who complained or why.

“New information has come to light from neighbours of the proposed development and decisions were made that have far-reaching implications for them and their sustainability,” Cr Muir said.

Legal advice was sought on the motion which disallowed any similar proposal winning support once the previous decision was undone.

That baulked several councillors including Melissa D’Ath who still believed the cottages should be allowed to support new and emerging businesses.

Mr Gleed had argued commercial feedback showed it was too much for many operators to seek accommodation during the region’s housing crisis while also starting a new business.

The revocation failed to get the five votes needed for an absolute majority after councillors D’Ath, Ian Earl and Kylie Kennaugh voted against the item.