The final meeting of the current Bathurst Regional Council on Wednesday night bordered on farcical at times as councillor retirements and pecuniary interests meant at one stage just four councillors remained in the chamber to vote on an item before them.

And there were just five councillors in the chamber when a contentious subdivision near the intersection of Keppel and Mitre streets was discussed after Ian North left the chamber citing a non-pecuniary interest as a nearby resident and Greg Westman remained outside after declaring a pecuniary interest in four of the planning items due to his work with Raine & Horne Bathurst.

Objecting neighbours also claimed they were denied the chance to plea their case to councillors during public question time despite having their hands raised in the public gallery.

Councillor Bobby Bourke attempted on Thursday morning to have the decision rescinded to be reconsidered following the election of a new nine-member council but he was unable to secure the signatures of two more councillors, as required under the Act.

The development will see two existing dwellings at 131 Mitre Street and 276 Keppel Street retained with three new two-storey townhouses to be built.

The new townhouses will all be accessed off Mitre Street but will look into the backyards of homes on Keppel Street.

A report to councillors stated the development failed to comply with local planning rules in four areas relating to setbacks, siting considerations, car parking and the changing level of land, but said the variations to standard rules could be supported in each case.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Cr Bourke said he had real concerns with the proposal.

“I’m concerned with the height of the townhouses. It says they are OK in the CBD area but this is not the CBD, it’s a residential area in West Bathurst,” he said.

“I’m also concerned with stormwater and a lack of dedicated visitor parking.

“I won’t be supporting this development.”

Cr Monica Morse said she also had concerns relating to traffic in the area and particularly the development’s proximity to a bus stop on Keppel Street.

Cr Warren Aubin said that as a growing city, Bathurst needed to accept the need for medium density development but admitted he would not like to have these townhouses built next to his home.

In the end, Cr Bourke and Cr Aubin voted against the proposal which was approved with the support of mayor Graeme Hanger and councillors Morse and Michael Coote.

Adam Hart Constructions was the applicant.