The development application for the St Helens Point Road site, which would see a consolidation of several lots, was approved by the Break O’Day Council at its Wednesday meeting.

The proposal includes provisions for 24 cabins, powered camp sites, a playground and jumping pillow, boat parking, bus parking, bike storage, a café, camp kitchen, recreation room and an amenities building.

A member of the public raised concern about the reduction of property prices if Parkside Avenue was closed.

Planning consultant Rebecca Green told the councillors that the road closure was a separate decision to be made, despite the fact it is required for the development to go ahead.

The road in contention is partially owned as part of the lot by the developers and partially owned by the late John Leslie Steele. 

She said if it was to be closed it was not a matter for council but for a magistrate.

Councillors Janet Drummond, Hannah Rubenach-Quinn and Kylie Wright also voiced their concerns about the effect approving the development application would have on a future decision about the road closure.

“If we approve the development does it not give more strength to the issue of closing the road, which I am concerned about because I feel that it does disadvantage some residents significantly,” Cr Wright said.

But Cr Barry LeFevre said it was important to remember the council’s long-term strategic plan which focused on employment and development.

“In the last couple of years we have espoused that we are a proactive council, we know there is a huge lack of accommodation in the area and 99 per cent of people realise we need a major development here,” he said.

“From the point of view of getting the community up and going and providing for tourists its a no-brainer.”

The site of the proposed holiday park sits on the edge of George’s Bay and according to the council agenda the total land area would encompass approximately 1.67 hectares.