THE proposal to demolish the iconic Hotel Australasia at Eden and replace it with a supermarket was knocked back by the Bega Valley Shire Council yesterday afternoon.
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Council unanimously rejected the development application, although councillor Kristy McBain was absent and Sharon Tapscott declared a pecuniary interest.
Council believed the impact of the proposed development would have been detrimental to the viability ofsurrounding businesses in the location and the retail centre.
Issues with car parking and compliance with the Local Environment Plan were also raised.
The controversial development of the 108-year-old hotel has been a concern for the Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association (BVSRRA) who have called on the council to hold a public meeting in Eden to address the issue.
In a statement to the Eden Magnet prior to yesterday’s decision, BVSRRA secretary John Richardson said that after noting the matter on council’s agenda they have again contacted council reiterating concerns with the efficacy of the overall application process.
“The BVSC has specific concerns over the rigor of the economic impact analysis provided in support of the development proposal, in particular as no detail has been made available as to the methodology used in carrying-out that analysis,” Mr Richardson said.
Council declined to comment on the issue until after the council meeting had taken place on Wednesday afternoon.