A DECISION on a new Development Application for a Woolworths supermarket in Bermagui has been deferred by Bega Valley Shire Councillors pending further information on issues raised by opponents in submissions to council.
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Mayor Bill Taylor said there had been significant public interest in the proposal regarding the strategic direction for Bermagui, the impacts on local infrastructure and the economic impact on the commercial centre.
“An approval of the DA in April 2013 was suspended last August when a community group known as No W in Bermagui Inc. took action in the Land and Environment Court challenging the validity of the consent.
“In December, the Court Registrar adjourned the proceedings for three months to enable Fabcot Pty Ltd (Woolworths) to lodge this new DA and the adjournment will remain in place until Council’s determination of this development application,” Clr Taylor said.
“This proposed development had caused considerable debate and discussion in the Bermagui community and Councillors will determine the matter upon receiving adequate information through reports and discussion with the community.
“There were four deputations to council at the most recent meeting, and these raised a number of matters that Councillors would like to consider.
On the motion of Clrs Fitzpatrick and Allen, the DA was deferred pending a staff report addressing the points raised in deputations, the reason for refusal, economic impacts on Bermagui; consideration of recommendations made by Professor Philip Cox and the Far South Coast National Trust; and consideration for a no left hand turn recommendation upon exit from the proposed supermarket to avoid traffic problems in residential areas.
Additionally it was resolved that consideration be made to remove reference to a liquor store from the DA, and that the issue of footpath access to Lamont Street be explored, including disabled access or ramping.
The motion was carried unanimously.
