Council has agreed to grant an easement to the owners of the Royal Willows Hotel which is expected to pave the way for a supermarket DA.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council heard two deputations on the subject, at the meeting on October 31.
David Jesson said that council had previously said the land was of little value but if the access was essential “then it obviously has a value to the party”.
Mr Jesson said the $15,000 value put on the piece of land sounded “like a guesstimate” and said it was “an incentive to developers”.
However Wendy Pursehouse said she supported the disposal of the easement.
“I believe the section is landlocked and so there’s no legal access to maintain. By granting it (the easement) it will be maintained.
“There are blackberries there and three snakes have come into local businesses and I believe they came from there. Everyone knows it’s for a supermarket and they need this and if it doesn’t go ahead they will close down the existing supermarket because they have outgrown it,” Ms Pursehouse said.
Councillor Russell Fitzpatrick asked whether a one off fee or annual fee would be charged but was told it could not be both.
“The easement has more value than the cost of building it. We’re all in favour of rejuvenating that area of Pambula. It can’t be the same as it was in the 70s and 80s. That’s not going to be the way.
“I agree it creates a commercial opportunity. We should not give that away on behalf of the ratepayers,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
Council agreed, with councillor Sharon Tapscott voting against the motion, to grant a formal easement for access over part Lot 16 DP 1204078 at Merimbola Street, Pambula to the benefit of the registered proprietor of Lot 20 Section 33 DP 758825 and Lot 15 DP 1204078.
The owners of the block will maintain and repair in perpetuity the box culvert system.
All costs are borne by the applicant and and fees to be calculated to include appropriate compensation related to the valuations.