Company representative Mike Skitt fronted councillors and staff arguing for changes to the consent given by the Joint Regional Planning Panel in December 2015 for a 154-berth marina, fixed wave attenuator and car park.

In his presentation, which sought a number of modifications to lessen the cost for the company, Mr Skitt said the planning alone had cost in the region of $1million.

He pointed to a number of “onerous conditions by council” that would mean high costs for road upgrades, which he called “disproportionate” and “should be struck out as it seems to have come out of left field”.

“Cattle Bay road has been assessed as being in good condition,” Mr Skitt said.

But in his report to council, BVSC director of planning and environment Andrew Woodley said the need to upgrade the road had been addressed at the time of the original reporting to the JRPP and was considered appropriate by the panel.

In his summary, Mr Skitt urged councillors to consider the modifications and invited them to come to the site to see for themselves.

In questioning Mr Skitt, councillor Robyn Bain said she was “slightly perplexed”.

“You said you have spent $1million and yet on your own document you also said that without funding there would be no wave attenuator and no marina, no development, no economic benefit to the community. You have spent $1million but you are say you’re not going to go ahead unless there’s government funding?” Cr Bain questioned.

Mr Skitt said he had not said that in the presentation adding, “I think the question’s out of order.” Mayor Kristy McBain agreed, saying “questions today should be limited to the modifications we’re dealing with”.

As well as the road matter, modifications proposed related to developer contributions, provisions for car parking, phasing of the construction certificate, and services and easements.

In later discussion, Mr Woodley said it was a complex matter, but despite a request from councillor Sharon Tapscott to delay decision pending further investigation, the motion to support council staff recommendations – which included some concessions and some rejected requests – was approved.