A development application for a sub-division and dual occupancy in Retford Park has been refused by councillors for a third time.
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The proposed development was first refused in council in the October 9 2019 meeting and November 27 2019 meeting for several reasons including, bulk and scale, not in public interest and not in accordance with the wishes of the Retford Park Estate.
Retford Park resident Mr Gi Kim spoke against the subdivision.
"More than 90 residents of Retford Park are against the development," he said.
"The vision [of Retford Park] was to create a high quality estate with a point of difference. One that is respectful to the heritage signficance of Retford Park.
"A collaboration between council, local residents and Sir James Fairfax helped define the design guidelines to ensure that the vision became a reality.
"The development application that we are discussing does not meet these guidelines, the character of the estate, nor has the applicant complied with the conditions of the purchase agreement."
Property owner Paul Samulski said that there was no reason for council to refuse his application.
"The purpose of this DA not withstanding court proceedings is for councillors that previously rejected the proposal to have an opportunity to reconsider their position with additional information that has been tabled.
"My right to build my preferred scheme on land that I've bought relying on the Development Control Plan and Local Environment Plan in good faith should not be seen as inferior to anyone else in the estate.
"This proposal is fully compliant with council controls and the local environmental plan which prevails above all else."
Councillors Garry Turland, Peter Nelson, Duncan Gair and Graham Andrews voted to approve the application. Councillors Ken Halstead, Larry Whipper, Gordon Markwart, Ian Scandrett and Graeme McLaughlin voted to refuse the development. The motion to approve was lost and the development was refused.