A three-lot residential development in Fitzroy Street, Kilmore, was given the green light at the July meeting of Mitchell Shire Council, but only after extensive debate on the proposal.
The matter before the Council recommended that a permit for the development be granted, however Central Ward Cr Annie Goble, who was absent from the meeting, had previously called for an alternative motion refusing the permit.
The alternative motion, moved by Cr Fiona Stevens and seconded by Cr Rhonda Sanderson, called for Council to issue a Notice of Decision to Refuse to Grant a Permit for the development based primarily on a suggestion that the proposal was an over-development of the site and not in tune with the character of the area.
The alternative motion also expressed concern that entrances to Units 2 and 3 were not clearly identifiable from the street, and there would be insufficient space for waste bin placement on the road reserve.
Speaking prior to a vote being taken on the alternative motion, Cr Sanderson said that she only seconded the motion for the sake of debate.
“I will not be supporting it,” she said.
Speaking against the alternative motion, Cr Bill Chisholm expressed his concerns regarding VCAT.
“If the developer takes this matter to VCAT, and he will, Council will lose another one,” he said.
The alternative motion was then put to the vote with only Cr Nathan Clark supporting it. Councillors Goble, Rob Eldridge, and Louise Bannister were absent from the meeting.
The original motion that Council resolve to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning permit was then put to the meeting and was passed unanimously.
The council meeting and three councilors no there why do we bother having them, we would be better of under a administrator