- Published on
By Catherine Watson
BASS Coast Council has rejected an application for a 208-site caravan park at Newhaven.
BASS Coast Council has rejected an application for a 208-site caravan park at Newhaven.
On Wednesday councillors voted unanimously to knock back the proposal for a park for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper-trailers and tents at 1285 Phillip Island Road.
The eight-hectare site, which is zoned for farming, backs on to the Forrest Caves beach reserve and is opposite the new Scenic estate Reserve.
The application drew 38 objections, most based on environmental impacts of the development on the neighbouring reserves, safety concerns about holiday makers accessing a dangerous and unpatrolled surf beach and traffic concerns related to access from Phillip Island Road.
There was one submission in support of the proposal, which stated that it would add to the local and regional economy, providing family-friendly accommodation in an area that is lacking such a facility.
A report from council officers stated that the Bass Coast Planning Scheme recognised the importance of tourism to the local economy and encouraged a diverse range of accommodation options on the coast, but the proposal did not accord with other relevant provisions.
“Planning must … ensure that such development is well sited with respect to surrounding services and natural attractions, is of an appropriate scale, use and intensity relative to its location, and minimises impacts on the surrounding natural visual, environmental and coastal character.
“It is recommended that Council resolve to refuse [this] planning application on the basis that the proposed camping and caravan park facility has no direct relationship with any agricultural activities conducted on the subject land or adjoining land and will impact on a landscape identified for its non-urban role providing a rural break between coastal settlements.”
Councillors acknowledged that the applicant had reduced the density of the original application and attempted to meet community concerns.
We often hear the phrase ‘Not in my back yard’,” Cr Bruce Kent said. “But in this case I believe the community has genuine reasons for concern.”
The eight-hectare site, which is zoned for farming, backs on to the Forrest Caves beach reserve and is opposite the new Scenic estate Reserve.
The application drew 38 objections, most based on environmental impacts of the development on the neighbouring reserves, safety concerns about holiday makers accessing a dangerous and unpatrolled surf beach and traffic concerns related to access from Phillip Island Road.
There was one submission in support of the proposal, which stated that it would add to the local and regional economy, providing family-friendly accommodation in an area that is lacking such a facility.
A report from council officers stated that the Bass Coast Planning Scheme recognised the importance of tourism to the local economy and encouraged a diverse range of accommodation options on the coast, but the proposal did not accord with other relevant provisions.
“Planning must … ensure that such development is well sited with respect to surrounding services and natural attractions, is of an appropriate scale, use and intensity relative to its location, and minimises impacts on the surrounding natural visual, environmental and coastal character.
“It is recommended that Council resolve to refuse [this] planning application on the basis that the proposed camping and caravan park facility has no direct relationship with any agricultural activities conducted on the subject land or adjoining land and will impact on a landscape identified for its non-urban role providing a rural break between coastal settlements.”
Councillors acknowledged that the applicant had reduced the density of the original application and attempted to meet community concerns.
We often hear the phrase ‘Not in my back yard’,” Cr Bruce Kent said. “But in this case I believe the community has genuine reasons for concern.”
One should ask councillors and the community members objection "how would you feel if this was your property?"
Those of us who have been owner here for long while clearly remember the camping area next to this land, what was proposed was a vast improvement on that facility and Yes we are a tourist area. Hard to tell at time with the terrible facilities we provide for visitors and locals. Councillors "have you ever been inside the toilet block at San Remo ?" As someone out walking everyday we are asked all the time "where are the public toilets?" i It's embarrassing to point out where it is, and yes it is the only one in town centre!! We've just returned from staying at Kings Beach near Coloundra the public facilities are superb and well maintained by the local council and they have no where near the number of overseas visitors that we do.
However, the state of the toilet block does reflect the rest of the SR foreshore. Dangerous paths, weeds everywhere. The "landscaping" along the northern edge of the Phillip Island Tourist Road is another cringe-worthy eyesore.
Is it time for the Council to step in and take control away from the Committee?