A development application is with council for an observation tower at Meringo (cost $366,190 and named Meringo Folly) that will be 16.17m tall (more than the height of a five story building) and over 50m above sea level on Meringo headland (see photomontage below from the DA). It has been on exhibit since 25 January and submissions close on Wednesday February 8th.
The Eurobodalla Rural R5 Large Lot Residential and E4 Environmental Living Zones - Development Control Plan 2019 (the DCP) relates to the proposed development. The following table identifies the relevant control of the DCP in regards to scale, location, footprint and height .
"The scale, location, footprint and height of buildings is such that: − buildings recede into the landscape − do not compromise ridgelines or areas of high visual significance − visual impact on scenic, natural landscape and adjoining properties is minimised.”
The Development Application however allays local resident fears by advising Council that 5.11 The Public Interest: The proposed development will have no adverse impact on the public interest.
The development Statement of Environmental Effects offers:
Statement of Environmental Effects – December 2022
The Statement provided for the Development Application says it complies because "No part of the development proposed is located on a hilltop, ridgeline or prominent knoll.”
However from the Photo Montage that accompanies the Development Application the Folly appears to tower over the hilltop/ridgeline and it is likely it would be seen from a wide area of Meringo, including the shoreline.
Also of concern to locals is that the Eurobodalla Rural R5 Large Lot Residential and E4 Environmental Living Zones - Development Control Plan 2019 states:
"Development responds to the topography of the site and is not of a bulk or scale that is out of character with the local area.”
but again the provided Statement of Environmental Effects – December 2022 responds saying it complies saying:
"The articulation to the design of the tower minimises overall scale and bulk and results in a built form that suits the informal rural landscape and built form.” Also "The proposed building will improve the appearance of the site, and provide a point of interest to passers by, that will enhance the character and appearance of the rural setting” and "The site comprises a rural character with a sense of remoteness and tranquillity, it is a sparsely populated location, therefore limiting the volume of visual receptors, and the number of people who are likely to view the building”.
Local residents, those who know about it, do not agree.
According to the Statement “the applicant has not notified each adjoining neighbour of this proposal."
It is not known if the owner is required to notify the neighbours.
What is known is that the Councillors voted on Any variation of SETBACK as described in a DCP requires Neighbours to be advised by Council staff processing the application.
Instead of voting on ANY Variation they only voted on SETBACK and NOT HEIGHT.
Like the recent Broulee Development Application that seeks to build above the agreed LEP height it appears that staff are "off the hook" in any obligation to notify neighbours in this DCP variation.
For those Meringo residents (local and non-resident ratepayers) unaware of the Development Application here are the details
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