Two controversial developments put council in the spotlight

Campbelltown Council will be in the spotlight on Tuesday night (July 25) when two controversial proposals come before it.

One could set a precedent for the proliferation of medium density at Glen Alpine.

The second, plans for a giant 57 metre telecommunications tower, will also test council’s resolve in protecting the rights of its residents.

Both that and the first issue, plans for four homes on one Glen Alpine lot, were deferred for further inspection when they first came before the council for determination.

Residents are strongly opposed to both proposals and have called on council to stand firm.

A number of them addressed the council when the Glen Alpine plan went before it at its June 27 meeting.

Residents argued that approval for Figtree Crescent, Glen Alpine, where the owners wants to demolish the house and build four in its place, would set a precedent for the iconic Campbelltown suburb located near Macarthur Square.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It would be the thin edge of the wedge for Glen Alpine,’’ said one resident.[/social_quote]

Council resolved to defer determination of the development application until an inspection of the site was carried out.

The inspection was conducted on July 18 and councillors were able to both view the site and hear from nearby residents.

That development application, which also includes removal of 24 trees, will be tabled at Tuesday night’s meeting with a recommendation that it be approved.

This will be a tough decision for councillors and it’s likely that whichever way they go may not be the last word on the matter.

The second major issue on the agenda for Tuesday night is a development application for a 56.4 metre tower a stone’s throw from Glen Alpine.

Just across Menangle Road and in the south western corner of the Western Sydney University’s Campbelltown campus, the applicant wants to build a 56.4 metre high telecommunications lattice tower, three equipment shelters, removal of vegetation and minor earthworks.

“The proposed telecommunications facility would facilitate provision of wireless mobile phone network coverage to a growing population,’’ says a report to council.

It will also be what some Menangle Road residents will see when they’re out the back of their properties.

Two of them spoke against the plan when it came before council on July 11.

They argued the tower would be a giant eyesore and should be located elsewhere on the university campus.

Council resolved to defer determination of the development application until a site inspection was carried out.

That has now been done and the application is coming back with a recommendation for approval.

The council meetings start from 6.30pm.