A 17-LOT development at Shiralee has been deferred a third time after neighbours complained they had not enough time to read through the assessment.
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The development from Byng Administration Services has been controversial since July when it first came before Orange councillors because it proposed to put road, water and sewer infrastructure on neighbours' land.
Only seven of the 17 lots could be built on without the infrastructure, with the remainder landlocked until access was added to Rifle Range Road and residents were adamant they would not accept infrastructure on their land.
A meeting in October prompted the applicant to submit revised plans in November and January, effectively deferring development of the landlocked part of the subdivision until easements were negotiated with adjoining landowners.
History of the development
- 2016: Proposal first lodged
- March 2018: Amended proposal lodged
- July 2018: Residents baulk at having water, sewer, stormwater, roads on their land
- August 2018: Councillors share concerns and defer a second time
However, Gemma Dwyer addressed councillors on Tuesday night, saying only two days' notice were given prior to the meeting.
"[The developer] showed us three maps of what he intended to submit to council, there was no consultation," she said.
"No effort on his behalf has been made to contact anyone since then."
Mrs Dwyer said neighbours only had since Friday to read through the Orange City Council staff report - council papers are usually released to the public the Friday before a meeting.
"It's a large document and it's not classed as light reading by us - to be here on Tuesday has not given us or the people consult for professional advice enough time to go through the entire document," she said.
She said the applicant still did not have neighbours' consent to install the infrastructure.
Councillor Glenn Taylor moved to refuse the development, saying he was not satisfied the neighbours had been adequately consulted.
"Obviously it's not been sufficient for the landowners to consent," he said.
However, councillor Scott Munro moved an amendment to defer the matter for two weeks to give residents more time to read the report.
Councillor Joanne McRae noted if councillors relied on neighbours' consent, few applications would get through and the council unanimously voted to defer.
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