2014-07-22 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                           22 JULY 2014



Visual impact of the caravans.                 The chicken caravans and mobile tractors are a
                                               similar size to a small rural shed. A condition may be
                                               imposed for the colour of the caravans to be painted
                                               in muted colours and hues of the surrounding
                                               landscape. This is considered sufficient, so as not to
                                               cause an adverse visual impact on surrounding
                                               properties.

Rodents, vermin and wild dogs will be          The chickens are to be surrounded by electric fences
attracted to the farm and neighbouring         to keep away larger animals. The separation
dwellings.                                     distances to the existing houses should not result in
                                               the increased presence of vermin and rodents on
                                               adjoining properties.

Water quality impacts.                         The 1,000 birds are equivalent in manure output to
                                               14 cows. The applicant can currently apply fertiliser
                                               to the existing pastures and increase the number of
                                               cattle on the property without any planning
                                               approvals. Considering the scale of the proposed
                                               chicken farm and the required setbacks to
                                               waterways, the impacts are expected to be minimal.

Welfare of the animals (minimal shade).        The Noosa Plan does not address concerns relating
                                               to animal welfare. It is also expected to be in the best
                                               interests of the farmer to ensure the mortality rates
                                               are minimal.

The owners intention is for >1,000 birds.      The applicant has applied for a maximum of 1,000
                                               birds. Any proposed increase to the number of birds,
                                               will need to be assessed as part of a future
                                               development application.

Composting birds not suited to the area.       Council’s environmental health officer comments that
                                               if the appropriate management of the composting
                                               facility is undertaken in accordance with industry
                                               standard and appropriate separation distances are
                                               maintained from the compost facility to the property
                                               boundaries and waterways, the activity is unlikely to
                                               cause any environmental nuisance to the
                                               neighbouring properties.

Devalue surrounding land                       The proposed agricultural use is a consistent use
                                               within the Rural Zone. While, the financial
                                               implications on surrounding property values are not
                                               considered a relevant planning ground, the
                                               assessment finds that the impacts of the
                                               development will be minimal and not adversely affect
                                               the neighbouring properties.

In approving the development, Council          It is recommended that reasonable and relevant
should impose the following conditions:        conditions be applied to the proposed agricultural
                                               use. These include conditions relating to the colour
   visual nature of the caravans             of the caravans, a site based management plan and
   no permanently mounted caravans           composting of animals to be undertaken in
   appropriate water and shade for animals   accordance with industry best practice to avoid any
   remedial action                           potential environmental nuisance.
   noise between appropriate hours
   no composting



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