The proposed housing development is on land next to Collier and Miller. Photo: Supplied.
Agricultural supplier Collier & Miller has objected to a proposed 10-townhouse complex being built next door, saying it’s in the wrong location.
Griffith Council will consider the development application (DA) at its next meeting on Wednesday (26 November).
Myall Park-registered company Zalt Real Estate Pty Ltd lodged a DA to build a $2.7 million two-storey housing complex that includes 10 two-bedroom apartments with 17 car parking spaces at 10-12 Harris Road. The 10 dwellings will be in four separate building blocks.
According to the DA, a key aim of the project is to contribute to the development of affordable housing in Griffith – a town that has grappled with a chronic shortage of rental dwellings for the past seven years.
In a submission to council, Collier & Miller general manager Chris Miller said he supported and understood the need for more housing in Griffith, but believed the proposed development was in the “wrong location”.
“Tenants moving into townhouses immediately next to our operations are highly likely to be able to hear the unavoidable industrial noises generated by our business, which raises the possibility of noise or amenity complaints,” he wrote.
He also said that residential housing was inconsistent with the industrial and commercial character of Harris Road and raised concerns about safety.
“Harris Road is a busy industrial traffic corridor, with a large number of heavy vehicle movements each day. Mixing residential cars and pedestrian traffic (including children and families) in a street that is a busy industrial traffic corridor will create significant safety risks,” he said.
The location of the proposed development. Photo: Griffith City Council.
Mr Miller also said the development would restrict Collier & Miller’s ability to expand in the future.
Zalt Real Estate Pty Ltd responded to the objection: “If Collier & Miller wanted to be dominant in the street, they had the opportunity to purchase the property previously in 2016.
“The suggestion that landowners are not able to exercise their rights to develop according to the development plan due to Collier & Miller’s potential to expand in the future is inappropriate.”
Collier & Miller says a proposed residential block would clash with the character of the street. Photo: Supplied.
Nearby businesses Griffith Laminate Supplies and Griffith Self Storage also opposed the proposed housing development.
“Our clients expect a secure and discreet storage service, which would be undermined if visibility into their units becomes possible,” Griffith Self Storage wrote in its objection letter.
Nevertheless, Griffith Council planning staff have recommended that councillors approve the development, saying it was consistent with the law and encourages the provision of affordable housing.
In August, Griffith councillors rejected a proposal to build a 21-unit housing development near the hospital, after multiple objections from would-be neighbours concerned about traffic and parking issues.
The developer, Sydney-based solicitor Mark Secivanovic, took the decision to the Land and Environment Court in a bid to have it reversed. That case remains ongoing.
