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ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANISATION The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 38 #22 • November 8, 2023 • www.echo.net.au
Exceeding height limits, again Paul Bibby A proposed holiday unit development in the heart of Byron Bay that has been twice knocked back by Council due to height breaches is set to get the green light at this week’s Council meeting. The unit block proposed for 43 Lawson Street originally came before Council back in 2015, but was refused because it breached the town’s 9m height limit. The developer brought it back six months later with a revised development application that was approved by Council.
Adding a fourth storey However, eight years later, without a brick having been laid, the developer brought the project back to Council once again with an eyebrow-raising addition of a rooftop pool that effectively added a fourth story. The modified application, which proposed a three-metre height breach, was given short shrift by both councillors and Council staff, who described it as having ‘significant detrimental environmental impacts’ and ‘not in the public interest’. ‘The proposal does not demonstrate it is in keeping with the predominant character of the area,
and would result in an intrusion when viewed from public land in the coastal foreshore locality,’ Council Planner, Patricia Docherty said at the time. Now, the developer is back again with yet another modified application. All rooftop enclosures have been removed from the proposed development, and the rooftop terrace has been reduced in size. ‘While the amended proposal still results in a non-conformance with the 9.0m height limit, the reductions in overall height result in a building that is at the same height as existing buildings on either side,’ consultant planner Rob Van Iersel said in written comments in the agenda to this week’s Council meeting. ‘The removal of the rooftop enclosures significantly reduce the visibility of the rooftop facilities when viewed from adjoining areas. ‘It is considered the proposal is acceptable in terms of the DCP provisions and this is no longer a reason for refusal.’ Should councillors accept Mr Van Iersel’s recommendation it would pave the way for the development to finally get under way. This would begin with the demolition of the existing building on the site, the Main Beach Apartments.
43 Lawson Street DA before amendment (pictured left), and after (right).
Are you ready to join the Muffs? ▶ p5
House prices fall by more than 16 per cent ▶ p13
Shearwater rides the WAVE
The 23rd Shearwater WAVE (Wearable Arts Vision in Education), once again a breathtaking performing arts event, wowed more than 1,000 members of the community last week. Photographed is Macushla Bere wearing Natalie Hamblin’s creation Green Lights. ‘Shearwater’s Wearable Arts event has built, over more than two decades, a true artistic interface
between high school and the world,’ says WAVE Director Josh Rushton, who has been part of the event since its inception. ‘A competition that goes out to the community; a high school production that builds an incredible show around an inspiring theme; and finally the integration of competition entries that brings the show to life.’ Photo Jeff ‘Life in the Limelight’ Dawson
There are 212 children in prison in NSW The Department of Communities and Justice revealed in NSW Budget Estimate hearings, that the per day cost of keeping a person under 18 in prison is $2,700. This amounts to an annual cost per child of $985,500 and with 212 young people presently in custody in NSW, the state is currently spending $208 million per year on young people in prison. Greens MP and spokesperson
The endless idiocy of Tony Abbott ▶ p15
for justice, Sue Higginson, said the department also disclosed that of the 212 children in custody, 129 are First Nations young people. Ms Higginson said it was also revealed that of the 212 young people in prison, just 51 had received a custodial sentence and the rest are held on remand. ‘The department admitted that children are often denied bail
It’s showtime! Mullum Show on this weekend ▶ p20
because of a gap in services that would allow them to be released. ‘The millions of dollars spent on keeping children locked up is money that should be invested in the broad expansion of diversionary programs and wrap-around services that keep children out of prison.’ Q Read full story on The Echo
online: www.echo.net.au.
Take a fresh look at the biz of Byron ▶ p40
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