Council (Planning) - 10 Apr 2025 3:00 PM

Key decisions

• 7 Leslie Street Bangalow development refused
  Council refused DA 10.2024.474.1 for demolition of an existing dwelling and construction of two two-storey dwelling houses with swimming pools at 7 Leslie Street, Bangalow, citing impacts including heritage, site suitability and public interest concerns. Council also resolved to proceed with an LEP amendment process to include the property in Schedule 5 of LEP 2014.
  Affects future development, heritage protection and neighbourhood character in Bangalow.
• Tinderbox Road Talofa dual occupancy approved
  Council granted consent to DA 10.2024.490.1 for a detached dual occupancy involving an existing dwelling, a new dwelling, a carport/workshop and removal of 6 trees at 7 Tinderbox Road, Talofa, subject to conditions.
  Enables a housing development proposal to proceed in Talofa, with conditions attached.
• Vibrant Economy Strategy to replace draft BIVE Strategy
  Council resolved to transition the draft Business, Industry and Visitor Economy Strategy into a broader Vibrant Economy Strategy and support its finalisation.
  This will shape future economic development, business support and visitor economy planning across the shire.
• Draft Events Strategy to become an Events Action Plan
  Council resolved to convert the draft Events Strategy into an Events Action Plan integrated under the new Vibrant Economy Strategy, and requested a further report on the final plan.
  Will influence how events are supported, managed and communicated across the shire.
• Emergency housing pods retention backed
  Council resolved to advocate for retaining emergency housing pods at the Brunswick Pod Village on Torakina Street, Brunswick, retain 9 structures on Council land, seek another local site for pods on private land, and push for ongoing government funding.
  Important for people needing temporary housing, especially flood-affected and displaced residents.
• Upper Main Arm compliance report requested
  Council requested a report to the next available meeting on current compliance action at Upper Main Arm, including a chronological overview and legal framework.
  Signals upcoming public reporting on a local compliance matter of community interest.
• Traffic and transport committee recommendations adopted
  Council adopted Local Traffic Committee recommendations including new meeting dates for 2025, an intersection upgrade plan on Bangalow Road, support for the Byron Bay Triathlon traffic arrangements, EV signage and line marking at two sites, car share expansion at three sites, and EV charger trial signage at three sites.
  Affects road use, parking, transport options and event traffic management in several towns.
• General Manager tender delegation updated
  Council updated the General Manager's delegation to accept or reject certain tenders for approved capital works and disaster recovery works within defined budget or funding limits.
  May speed up delivery of approved works and recovery projects without separate council decisions on each tender.

Important topics

• Bangalow heritage and planning controls
  The refusal of the Leslie Street proposal was linked to heritage conservation area impacts and was paired with action to pursue heritage listing through an LEP amendment.
  Relevant to property owners and residents concerned about heritage protection and future redevelopment rules in Bangalow.
• Emergency and affordable housing pressure
  Council noted ongoing housing pressure and the need to retain or relocate emergency accommodation pods within Byron Shire.
  Relevant to residents affected by housing shortage, disaster recovery and temporary accommodation availability.
• Public questions on Clifford Street and project transparency
  A public question sought grant updates for the Clifford Street/Broken Head Road intersection roundabout upgrade, which staff took on notice. Another question sought publication of supplementary Metis material, and staff indicated it could be published on Council's website.
  Residents may see follow-up information on the intersection project and greater access to council project documents.
• Development application monitoring
  Council noted a status report on DAs being handled by external bodies such as the Northern Regional Planning Panel.
  Keeps residents informed about planning matters that are not determined directly by council.

Resident impacts

• A proposed two-dwelling redevelopment at 7 Leslie Street, Bangalow was refused.
• A dual occupancy project at 7 Tinderbox Road, Talofa was approved subject to conditions.
• Emergency housing pods at Brunswick Heads received council backing for retention and possible relocation within the shire.
• New EV parking signage and line marking will be installed in Byron Bay and Mullumbimby, with additional EV charger trial sites in Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads.
• Car share parking spaces will expand to Suffolk Park, Bangalow and Brunswick Heads.
• The Byron Bay Triathlon on 27 April 2025 was supported subject to police, TfNSW and traffic management approvals.
• Future council planning for business and events will shift to a Vibrant Economy Strategy with an Events Action Plan.

Places affected

• Bangalow (town)
  Development refusal at Leslie Street, intersection works on Bangalow Road, car share expansion, and EV charger trial site.
• Byron Bay (town)
  Shirley Street planning item listed, EV signage at Lawson Street North Carpark, and Byron Bay Triathlon traffic arrangements.
• Brunswick Heads (town)
  Emergency housing pods at Torakina Street Bayside and EV charger trial site at Fingal Street.
• Mullumbimby (town)
  EV signage at the Administration Building and EV charger trial site at Stuart Street.
• Talofa (locality)
  Approved dual occupancy development at 7 Tinderbox Road.
• Suffolk Park (suburb)
  Car share expansion at Beech Drive and community interest in the Clifford Street/Broken Head Road traffic project.
• Upper Main Arm (locality)
  Council requested a compliance action report.
• Clifford Street / Broken Head Road intersection (intersection)
  Public questions raised about roundabout upgrade grants and prior traffic light project updates.

Next steps

• Proceed with an LEP amendment to include 7 Leslie Street Bangalow in Schedule 5 of LEP 2014.
  Not specified
• Finalise the new Vibrant Economy Strategy.
  Not specified
• Prepare and present a report on the final Events Action Plan.
  Future council meeting
• Bring a report on compliance action at Upper Main Arm to the next available council meeting.
  Next available council meeting
• Work with NSW Reconstruction Authority and other authorities on retention or relocation of emergency housing pods and seek ongoing funding.
  Ongoing
• Respond to the public question on grant opportunities for the Clifford Street/Broken Head Road intersection upgrade.
  Taken on notice

Extracted minutes text

Minutes Ordinary (Planning) Meeting Thursday, 10 April 2025 BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL Ordinary (Planning) Meeting Minutes 1 0 Ap r i l 2 0 2 5 O r d i n a r y ( P l a n n i n g ) M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1 0 A p r i l 2 0 2 5 p a g e 3 INDEX OF ITEMS DISCUSSED The following items are listed in the order in which they were dealt with. Report No. 13.5 PLANNING - Report of the Planning Review Committee held 11 March 2025 ............................................................................................ 8 Report No. 13.7 PLANNING - DA 10.2024.490.1 - Dual Occupancy (Detached) Comprising an Existing Dwelling, a New Dwelling, a Carport / Workshop and Removal of 6 Trees - 7 Tinderbox Road,...