A controversial development application to build a Woolworths retail complex in Bermagui will come before Bega Valley Shire Council on Wednesday.
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Development consent is being sought by Fabcot to build a Woolworths supermarket, liquor store, speciality retail shops, car parking for 87 vehicles and advertising signage on Young St.
The first DA to build a 1513sqm Woolworths supermarket in Bermagui was lodged in April 2012.
Woolworths lodged a second DA in December 2013, this one shifting the building three metres closer to Young St.
After lodgement with BVSC, the second DA went on exhibition for 40 days and was open to public submissions until January 22.
The first DA for a Bermagui Woolworths complex was taken to the Land and Environment Court last year by the community group No W in Bermagui.
This matter has been deferred by the court until the second DA is considered.
There has been significant opposition to the project, with any mention of the development before council packing the public gallery at BVSC chambers and several community meetings held in Bermagui.
According to BVSC, public submissions arguing against the proposed development brought up issues such as traffic, the social impact on community spirit, the nuisance aspect of trading hours, the environment impact of the development’s design and location and whether the development was in line with the council’s strategic objectives for Bermagui.
The staff report by BVSC has concluded the proposed development meets the objectives of the zone, is a permissible land use, is considered to achieve orderly and economic use and development of land and is consistent with the strategic direction for Bermagui.
Approval of the development has been recommended subject to conditions outlined in the draft consent.
The proposed Woolworths isn’t the only hotly debated development application before Bega Valley Shire Council on Wednesday.
The proposal to build a primary school in Kulbardi Close, Bournda attracted a large crowd in the public gallery and six deputations against the DA when it came before council on February 12 for determination.
Council resolved to defer the matter to look into the issues raised in the deputations, which included privacy and safety, increased traffic and environmental concerns.
Applicant Michael Lyons seeks to build a primary school to cater for an enrolment of up to 250 students and 20 staff.
The Hotel Australasia in Eden is also back on the agenda at council.
At the February 12 council meeting a development application from Great Southern Developments demolish the hotel and build a supermarket was rejected unanimously by all councillors present.
Council believed the impact of the proposed development would have been detrimental to the viability of surrounding businesses in the location and the retail centre.
Issues with car parking and compliance with the Local Environment Plan were also raised.
On Wednesday a request to nominate the Eden landmark as a Heritage Item with BVSC is being submitted for determination.
Other matters on the agenda include a determination as to where to locate the first winner of BVSC’s acquisitive prize from Sculpture on the Edge, Alan Watt’s “Southern Exuberance”, the findings of the Bega and Brogo Rivers Flood Study will be tabled for council endorsement and the draft Bega Valley Bike Plan 2014 will be submitted for public exhibition.
The Bega Valley Shire Council meeting is at 2pm on Wednesday.