Meander Valley Council has again denied a proposed development on Beefeater Street at Deloraine, citing traffic problems.
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Council officers recommended the proposal for seven new dwellings at 46a Beefeater Street be refused at Tuesday’s meeting on the basis of a traffic impact report, which indicated there would be congestion issues for residents if the proposed development were to go ahead.
It is not the first time the site has made it into the council’s agenda, with councillors unanimously passing a motion to refuse visitor accommodation at the same location last year.
While the most recent proposal was for rental accommodation, submissions from the community reflected concerns about the intended use of the building by land owner, Andrew Terry.
In a letter to council last month, resident Belinda Miller outlined the main reason for her objection to the proposal.
“I believe this [proposal is] similar to that advertised earlier in the year for ‘visitor accommodation’ to house berry pickers,” she said.
“This is still going to house a large number of people, similar to that of a backpackers.
“But there is no caretaker to oversee any issues that may arise.”
Councillors Andrew Connor, Deb White and Rodney Synfield were among the six who voted in favour of the recommendation for refusal, while Councillor Bob Richardson abstained.
In supporting the motion for the refusal, Cr White said she “disagreed that the only issue was traffic”, also pointing to privacy issues for residents.
Cr Synfield also voiced strong opposition to the proposal, stating he “has never been happier to support a council recommendation.”
While Cr Connor dismissed the discussions about the possible inhabitants of the dwelling, describing the “emotive arguments” as “bordering on xenophobia”.
The next Meander Valley Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 13 at Westbury. For more information, head to www.meander.tas.gov.au.