Controversial housing development on Lawford Crescent has been approved by the Western Riverina Planning Panel

The development is for two demountable houses and was presented by the Aboriginal Housing Office back in March. Residents of the street objected to the proposal based primarily on the idea that it wouldn't fit with the surrounding area's design and concerns for trees and parking space on the street.

The matter was addressed at the July 13 council meeting, with residents both appearing in person and submitting letters of complaint.

While council was quick to assure that they had been heard, the application being under Crown jurisdiction meant that they were unable to do much besides refer those upset to the planning panel. At the time, they noted that if the panel received ten individual letters, they would be obligated to hold a public forum.

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The panel met and unanimously decided to approve the application, citing that concerns had been adequately addressed.

They particularly noted fears of building materials, saying "This was not a matter of great significance to the panel, as it was felt that any consideration of the impact on the character of the area extended beyond just building materials but importantly included other determinants of character such as building form, setbacks, landscaping, height, floor space ratio, parking etc."

"On balance, the Panel was satisfied that on a consideration of the impact of the proposed development on the character of the area that the proposed development was acceptable and consistent with the locality."

The approval is not without conditions, and the development has been asked to follow through on their offer of building brick walls between the ground and floor level, as well as relocate storage areas planned to be in the carport.

The property has also been mandated to install retaining walls and 1.8 metre high fencing. 2.4 metre high timber surrounds will also be installed to protect the two street trees that residents were concerned about.

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