2014-12-09 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                9 DECEMBER 2014


A stormwater plan prepared by Callaghan and Toth engineers was submitted, proposing a range
of new pipework, swales, ground covers and the like. Conditions are recommended to ensure
these works are completed.
Traffic
The likely traffic generation generated by the use is considered well within the existing capacity of
Holts Road. From local residents’ perspective, RV’s travelling along Holts Road is an
unexpected change introduced by the development. However, the number of vehicles is small
and the impacts are considered acceptable, given the nature of the road and the limited number
of residential properties between the site and the highway access. Conditions are recommended
to ensure that the entrance to the site is clearly signed and appropriately sealed and maintained.
Noise
The applicant’s previous layout presented to staff at pre-lodgement stage included RV sites along
the front boundary closest to adjacent residents on the southern side of Holts Road. This raised
some concern with potential for noise impacts caused by reversing beepers and other activity.
The current layout does not include those sites and a minimum buffer of 60m proposed to the
nearest resident is considered sufficient. Notably, no noise complaints have been received about
the use.
Further Rural Amenity Issues
The development introduces some other changes that local residents would not have expected in
the area. It is important that Council consider all impacts on residents’ amenity and determine if
they are acceptable. Complaints and submissions received for this development have included
the following concerns:
      Strangers (visitors) walking along Holts Road
      Unrestrained dogs being walked
      Users of the RV park not picking up after their dogs
The dog matters are covered under local law and should not be occurring. Conditions are
recommended to ensure that the operator advises visitors that dogs must be on a leash when
being walked and restrained during their period of stay and dog faeces pickup bags used.
Residents’ apprehension about unfamiliar people walking in Holts Road is understandable, given
it is a relatively quiet rural area where few people currently walk along the road. This is a clear
change to the area caused by the development. Residents’ primary concern appears to be that
strangers pose a risk to their property from theft, etc. The change in character to the area is
acknowledged but is assessed as acceptable. Travellers in self-contained RV’s are not
considered to pose a significant risk and the development is relatively small-scale.
Need
The application states there is an “exceptional and urgent need” for the RV Stop but did not
provide further detailed assessment. Notably, since commencing the use without approval, the
site has been relatively well patronised with only very limited promotion.
Council has been broadly aware of the need for expanded low cost accommodation options for
some time. The caravan, motorhome and camping industry is reported to be the fastest growing
domestic tourism sector in Australia and has been for each of the last 10 years (source: Caravan
and Camping Tourism Association of NSW Annual report 2012). Cooroy currently has no
caravan park or camping facilities and is unable to capture the broad economic and community
benefits that flow from increased visitation. The need for a “Self Contained RV Overnight Area”
in Cooroy has been identified by the:
      Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia
      Queensland Drive Tourism Strategy
      Cooroy Chamber of Commerce

                                                                                    Page 87 of 134