A CONTROVERSIAL development application for 45 Torrens title allotments at 175 Titania Road has been given the green light by Oberon Council.
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The average size of each allotment is 2.21 hectares.
The public gallery was overflowing on Tuesday night as councillors voted to approve the DA.
Neighbouring residents expressed a number of concerns during question time, including the small size of the allotments, water, drainage, biosecurity worries and visual impact.
Jill O'Grady said she was not opposed to the development but was opposed to the size of each lot.
“A larger lot will give the feeling of space and country lifestyle. We moved here six years ago and Oberon is a gem with a country lifestyle,” she said.
Neil O’Grady said council received 27 submissions in the first notification about the DA, including one with 72 signatures.
“Most of those submission were in opposition to this development as it is,” he said.
“Nobody benefits, only the proponent, and there has been no compromise offered.
“Council must review the DA as it’s in everyone's best interest.”
Matt Colley, who lives directly opposite the development, said he moved to Titania Estate in 2005 for the rural lifestyle and space. He was concerned about the financial impact if he wanted to sell.
“Cr Clive McCarthy said council identified this area a long time ago,” he said.
“We were trying to achieve what we had at Titania. Would you want to live there between massive water tanks? I support larger lots sizes but not this DA.”
Cr Andrew McKibbin asked planning and development director Shane Wilson the likely outcome if council knocked back the DA.
Mr Wilson said the proponent could appeal to the Land and Environment Court. This could cost council up to $300,000.
“Council has followed all processes required. A third party can only appeal if council has made an error in the process,” Mr Wilson said.
Developer Chris O'Neill said he was pleased with council’s decision.
“This has been going on for too long. In August 2014 a planning proposal was submitted to allow a minimum lot size of one hectare with an average of two, with an accompanying DA that was submitted to Oberon Council,” he said.
“All our reports are completed and they meet all requirements. It’s been 10 years and a costly battle.
“All the independent experts’ reports are all fine. Mr Wilson’s report includes everything and it’s there for councillors to see."
Councillors Capel, McKibbin, Gibbons and Sajowitz voted for the development while councillors Lyon, McKechnie and McCarthy voted against. Councillors Doney and Kellam were absent from the meeting.