Tuart Street Residents Group representative Darren Kenny addressed the City of Bunbury council on Tuesday, September 18, raising concerns over the proposed Tiny Houses project.
The state government launched the $180,000 Tiny Houses Pilot in April which will see three small dwellings on land on Plaza Street.
“The residents believe the tiny houses should not be accepted for submission or assessment,” he said.
“Given that the city has an extensive understanding of the proposed project, when can the residents expect an explanation about the proposed use class?
“If allowed to be submitted, will the development application be advertised and presented to the city for a vote or will the city be dealing with it under a delegated authority?”
Responding to the group’s concerns whilst addressing council, City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the city has yet to receive an application for development approval.
“The local government, as an assessing authority, is presently unable to formally confirm what land use the ultimate development proposal might fall within,” he said.
“The site is included in the mixed use residential zone.
“The site is located in an area designated as a specially-controlled development area, and, as such, requires the preparation of a new structure plan.”
Mr Brennan said the residents had the right to address the city over the proposal.
“We’ve seen the same thing occur with College Grove and with respect to the Bunbury Primary School parking situation,” he said.
“With a local neighbourhood issue, that’s when we see people power in the chamber and I think that’s a fantastic thing.
“When we do receive an application for the Tiny Houses development, the process that is outlined legally will be followed. That process is mainly determined by the type of application we get.”
Bunbury MLA Don Punch said AccordWest was exploring all submissions as well as community concerns.
“I’m delighted if that group is focused on planning solely and taking all the language out that says people don’t deserve to be here, I’m glad that that has disappeared out of the debate and I’m glad that the focus is on planning,” he said.
“The council can then consider the proposal on its merits in the context of the scheme, I think that’s reasonable for the council to do and I look forward to a point where Accordwest are able to proceed with an application.”
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