ALTHOUGH councillors had some concerns, they have given the green light to construct cabins and primitive camping sites at a Mount Panorama property.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The development application for 505 Conrod Straight, which was submitted by property owner Keith Tucker, was up for determination at last week's Bathurst Regional Council meeting.
The proposal involves a mixed-use development incorporating the change of use of an existing dwelling to tourist and visitor accommodation, the erection of a new dwelling, construction of five new cabins and two double carports, and the establishment of a primitive camping ground and associated facilities.
Other amenities, including a pool and new machinery sheds, would also be constructed.
The project is estimated to cost approximately $1.1 million.
Council's director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, Neil Southorn, had recommended that the DA be approved with conditions, however councillors had some reservations.
Primarily, they were concerned about how much noise could be generated by the primitive campground if it was ever at capacity.
Under council's conditions of consent, there could be eight campsites occupied at any one time and as many as 12 people allowed to stay at each one.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: You're not dreaming, you can buy petrol for under $1 in Bathurst
Councillor Warren Aubin said he couldn't find anything within the report that detailed how noise would be managed, noting that he felt sorry for the neighbours who might be disturbed as a result of the development.
Mr Southorn said that "controls over the activity of those camping" weren't considered as a condition of consent and noise resulting from the activity of campers would be a police matter.
"Should the noise be caused by antisocial behaviour then the neighbours, if that occurs, have the opportunity to invite the police to intervene, which is the normal course of action if parties are too loud at any place across Bathurst," he said.
"If the noise is related to the hooning of motor vehicles or something, then that too is a matter which those authorities can contemplate, but council staff didn't consider it necessary as a condition of consent."
Cr Rudge also said she was concerned about noise, particularly if campers did decide to hold parties.
It is important to note that, as a condition of consent, the site is also not allowed to be used as a primitive camping ground when the Mount Panorama circuit is closed to the public.
Despite concerns, the councillors ultimately voted in support of the proposal.
