That is how councillor Graham McLaughlin described a proposed development that could potentially be five storeys high.

Councillors debated providing in principle support for changes to the Mittagong Development Control Plan (DCP) which could allow a mixed residential development at the November 14 council meeting.

The proponent sought an amendment to introduce site specific provisions into the DCP which could enable the development which was proposed to include a mix of affordable housing, seniors living and residential apartments.

The land, consisting of 15 individual lots bounded by Rainbow Road, Brewster Street, the Old Hume Highway and Mineral Springs Reserve, is currently zoned R3 Medium Density Residential.

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However most councillors believed the proposal in its current form was not appropriate.

“The thought of five storeys in that locale is just mind boggling. It would just change forever the whole streetscape and the whole persona of that area,” Cr Larry Whipper said.

Councillors were supportive of the idea of affordable housing in the shire, but the height remained the key concern.

“I have no problem with the concept. Every time I hear affordable housing it excites me. But the height is crazy,” Cr Grahame Andrews said.

Cr Whipper moved a motion that council not give in principle support and and invite the applicant into council to discuss a more appropriate scale of development.

This motion was supported by seven of the eight councillors present, with Cr Ian Scandrett the only dissenting vote. 

He argued the proposed development was on the edge of the town’s commercial sector.

“This is in a precinct where it’s most accessible. I think it’s actually quite a good location. At the moment this is just a concept. Can we go ahead and look at this? I say yes.”

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