A MULTI-use farm and education facility will be built in Moss Vale.
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Councillors voted unanimously to approve the development of a building to accommodate existing farm operations, an education facility for 30 international candidates with the occasional use of part of the building for pod style overnight accommodation.
The proposed Moss Vale development would host the Think Big program which aims to provide hands-on experience in equine management and care for international visitors.
The candidates would also attend each of Think Big’s affiliated facilities in the Hunter Valley’s Coolmore Stud and Beijing’s China Horse Club.
Councillor Ian Scandrett put forward an amendment to defer the application pending discussions with neighbouring properties, however it was lost.
“It is a big property but the point is there could be a lot happening in this shed,” Cr Scandrett said.
“There are gaps in the application and I would like to hear what the applicant has to say.
“But it’s great if it’s going to enhance us in a rural racing fraternity.”
Council’s group manager planning, development and regulatory services Nick Wilton said there was one issue with the plan in relation to onsite sewer management.
“The sewer main is about 900m away and is a significant impost to the developer to connect that,” Mr Wilton said.
However, the development meets council’s E3 environmental management zone requirements and council documents said it wouldn’t erode surrounding areas of aesthetic value.