Council rejects cabins plan

By Paul Dunlop
PLANS for a new overnight accommodation centre in Kooweerup were thrown out last week, amid claims that it could become a trailer park.
Concerned at the prospect of people staying longterm, Cardinia Shire Council rejected an application to build 25 cabins and other facilities on land in Sybella Avenue.
The application was made by 3D Drafting Service on behalf of an unnamed developer.
Supporters of the development insisted it was not a caravan park but would provide a place to stay for holidaying families or business people looking to spend a night in Kooweerup.
But councillors decided the proposal was an overdevelopment and clashed with the character of the rest of the town.
Cr Doug Hamilton said at the council’s town planning meeting that the development was “something Kooweerup does not need”.
“This is smack bang in the middle of a residential area. It’s totally inappropriate,” Cr Hamilton said.
Councillors’ decision was welcomed by residents who had strongly opposed the proposal.
Fourteen objections and a petition with 46 signatures were lodged by residents who claimed the development would cause noise pollution and traffic problems.
The permit had been sought to establish 25 individual cabins, each with its own kitchen, bathroom and living and sleeping areas. There would also be a manager’s office, barbecues and a children’s playground.
The 4,627squaremetre site, on the eastern side of Sybella Avenue, is within the urban growth boundary and is zoned residential.
But town planners were unenthusiastic about the proposal and had recommended that council refuse the application.
A report at council’s meeting on 5 March said the development would have a significant impact on the streetscape.
Town planners also questioned the demand for overnight accommodation for tourists in Kooweerup, saying the facility would be more likely to attract people looking for longerterm accommodation.
Cr Hamilton and Cr Bill Pearson led council’s decision to refuse a permit.
“I am strongly opposed to this,” Cr Hamilton said.
Mayor Kate Lempriere said the decision was unanimous.