Thus spoke Cr Andrew Banfield at Tuesday night’s Council meeting in relation to a proposed multi-unit development at 12 Fox Close, near Mistful Park Rd at Marys Mount.

His comments came after three nearby residents addressed Council in open forum complaining about the development.

The plan entails subdivision and construction of seven dwellings on the one block of land.

The development, proposed by Castellino Pty Ltd, was considered permissible under the R2 Low density residential zone. Council planners recommended conditional approval.

The houses would sit on average 355 square metre lots.

Council received 10 public submissions, raising concerns about the effect on nearby property prices, streetscape, amenity, privacy, garbage removal and landscaping as well as traffic, noise, light pollution and parking.

A 22-signature petition from residents “strongly objected” to the development on the grounds of “increased traffic flow and disruption, disrupting the quiet living surrounds and negatively impact on the overall area.”

The proponent addressed each of the issues, suggesting compromise and amelioration on some aspects, including use of large commercial bins in place of residential garbage bins.

Nearby resident Kathy Parlett addressed councillors, saying she strongly opposed the development.

“It will have a negative impact on people in the street, which is a cul-de-sac,” Ms Parlett said.

“It will not fit in with the area, it does not fit in with existing homes. With the increased traffic flow, safety will be compromised.

It is a narrow entry to the cul de sac. This proposal is poorly planned.

“When I bought my block I was told there was a covenant that only single dwellings could be built on it, but the land was on-sold and I don’t think it is fair that the covenant can now be removed for a developer who bangs up houses, makes a quick buck and gets out.”

Her sister, Rebecca Parlett also spoke in open forum.

She said the area was a “cosy, family area, owner-occupied with low traffic flow.”

“There is no space for visitor parking for this development and there will be no room for the 14 bins that will be put out to collect,” she said.

“This is a medium-density development in a low-density area. There are many children who play in the street. It is a safe environment that will be hugely impacted. I will be devastated if this goes ahead.”

Another resident Marjo Skelly echoed the Parlett sisters’ themes, saying the development should not be considered suitable for the zone.

“It should not be compared to other developments in Lagoon St or Beppo St because we are still rural, not in the CBD,” Mrs Skelly said.

Cr Sam Rowland moved an alternative motion, asking for the decision to be deferred to further consider the “inconsistencies with the zoning.”

Cr Carol James said: “It is a lot of buildings on one block” and she would be happy if it was modified.

“How is this development low-density?” Cr Robin Saville asked.

Cr Andrew Banfield rose to his feet and in a fiery tirade said the bulk of the community didn’t want it to go ahead.

“At what point do we stand up to out of town developers and tell them that we are the controllers of our own destiny?

“We should refuse this. It is not in the community’s interest. Bugger the planning laws!”

Councillors voted to defer a decision to further consider the “inconsistency with existing residential neighbourhood and the zone objectives and streetscape impacts.”

Secondly, the proponent and objectors will be invited to a Council workshop to discuss the proposed development. This will likely be held on October 15.