2016-07-12 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                      12 JULY 2016


The proposed upgraded wastewater system for the site is considered a suitable alternative to the
current requirement for all RV’s to be self contained. The existing business has been observed
to be well operated and a valued addition to Cooroy’s visitor accommodation options. The new
pump out system will allow the site to be used by a wider range of RV’s and meet the needs of
more travellers.
It is recommended condition 5 be replaced with the following:
Wastewater from communal ablutions, laundry, kitchen facilities, and the like, must be directed to
holding tanks for disposal offsite. A plumbing approval must be obtained for the associated
wastewater system.
The existing approved development use description states the approval is for “self-contained
RV’s”. Given the change to condition 5, the reference to self-contained should be deleted. The
recommendation is worded accordingly.
Condition 4 – Short Term Stay Length
4.     Visitor stays shall not exceed 4 consecutive nights.
Applicant’s Request
The applicant seeks the alteration of the maximum extent of stay by visitors from 4 consecutive
nights to 7 consecutive nights. The 4 night limit has placed stress upon the visitors and the
applicant due to circumstances, such as travellers using the site as a base while they seek
medical services and when travellers are seeking mechanical repairs for the vehicles. The
extension of the time limit from 4 nights to 7 nights still provides for temporary accommodation.
Assessment
Agreed. The 4 night limit was originally applied to reflect the limitations of self-contained RV’s to
remain in place before needing to empty waste holding tanks. Since the change to allow use of
on-site ablutions and common facilities is supported, the change to 7 night stays is also
supported. The 7 night limit remains consistent with the approval intent for short-term visitor
accommodation.
Condition 10 – Temporary Approval Requiring Extension
10.   This temporary development approval expires in two (2) years on 18 December 2016.
      Upon request, Council may provide written consent to extend the approval on an annual
      basis having regard to the status of the adjacent mining lease, the degree of compliance
      with the approval conditions herein and the complaint history relating to the development.
Applicant’s Request
The use has required substantial investment and the implementation of the plumbing
infrastructure required by Condition will require further substantial investment.
The applicant seeks an amendment of this Condition that provides for Council to issue a
compulsory renewal of the approval; unless the status of the adjacent mining lease changes and
there are serious complaints regarding the use. Should the status of the minimum lease be
altered or there be serious complaints received; the applicant is then required to apply for an
extension of the consent.
Assessment
The temporary approval condition was applied to overcome a statutory planning conflict with an
extractive resource buffer for a mining lease (clay pit) on neighbouring land to the north. The
resource currently sits dormant but the property owners have not relinquished their mining rights.
Should the mining operation re-commence the temporary visitor accommodation use may need
to cease.
Consideration of the financial impost of carrying out the development in light of the level of risk
the neighbouring clay pit might re-commence is a matter for the applicant.


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