NO DEAL ON DEVELOPER’S REQUEST FOR MORE TIME
THE Clarence Council has rejected an application from developer Chambroad for an extension of time before the council buys back land at Kangaroo Bay, which the company hoped would allow it to undertake consultation on its revised plan.
The company was set to build a hotel and hospitality school at the site, but plans for the educational facility were dumped.
Last month the council voted to deny Chambroad’s request for an extension of time to substantially commence the build of a development, also knocking back its redesign which was only made public at the start of the meeting.
On Monday, the council considered another request for an extension, hoping the council’s buyback deadline could be pushed out by one or two months.
It was a request which was denied by elected members.
“We are acutely aware of the time invested in this project to date, but that does not mean we should rush to a decision now and commit to the option in front of us just because it’s the only one on the table,” Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley said.
“Chambroad have had sufficient time to consult with the community and it is disappointing they have fallen short of their commitments, given the previous extensions that Council has provided.
“They still have time to demonstrate community support prior to the buyback deadline but we are not prepared to give them another extension.”
On Monday, Councillor Tony Mulder said Chambroad had been secretive.
“It is not acting in good faith on the eve of the December meeting to ask councillors to consider a vague concept, embargoed to the hour of the meeting to avoid councillors consulting with the community,” he said.
All elected members voted to reject the extension of time, except for Richard James. Meanwhile a motion by Deputy Mayor Allison Ritchie was carried to preauthorise the CEO to buyback the land in April.
“Should the buyback take place, in accordance with this amended motion, it recognises the expectation
for council to re-consult with the community in relation to the Kangaroo Bay urban design strategy and concept plan.”
“This motion is about getting the ball rolling for the buyback, it is about saying the buyback should proceed.”
Chambroad Australia director Finely Zhang said the company looked forward to engaging with the community.
“Chambroad Australia remains totally committed to the Kangaroo Bay Hotel development and delivering that for Clarence with construction to commence later this year,” Mr Zhang said.
“We also remain committed to ensuring the people of Clarence have the opportunity to have a say on the hotel concept designs.”