CITY of Busselton councillors deferred making a decision on a development application to build a market in Dunsborough made from sea containers.
At the meeting last Wednesday, councillor Gordon Bleachmore raised an alternative motion to give the developer more time to supply additional information which was supported by all councillors.
The alternative motion will allow the proponent to complete a noise impact assessment and provide more building details after nearby neighbours and business owners raised concerns.
The proponent Peter Tyrrell submitted a proposal for markets which would have an open side roof structure with market stalls operating out of 24 sea containers.
The markets would be situated between Dunn Bay Road, Seymour Boulevard and Cheiftan Crescent.
Mr Tyrrell said he was happy with the outcome at council as it would give him an opportunity to address the issues raised.
“Sea container style developments were occurring worldwide and there were plenty of case studies which had been done and showed economic benefits,” he said.
“There are lots of talented artisans in the region who have great ideas but do not want to commit to long term rent, we would be able to offer them short term leases.”
City of Busselton officers recommended to the council that the application be rejected because it was inconsistent with the relevant planning framework.
The officers said the council should refuse the application because the design was considered inappropriate for the location in Dunsborough’s town centre.
In their assessment of the application officers said the form and layout of the development proposed was not considered appropriate.
Officers said they supported the broad concept of a market development in Dunsborough’s town centre which would provide an opportunity for small scale and start up businesses.
During the public consultation period the city received 24 submissions which raised concerns about the proposal.
Visual appearance of the markets, lack of parking, noise, and impact to nearby businesses were some of the issues raised by nearby residents and business owners.
At the council meeting, one business owner said they were concerned about the noise disruption because of the design and shared boundary line.
A nearby resident said at the meeting they were concerned about the hours of operation, noise level and parking.
Have your say: What type of development would you like to see in Dunsborough’s town centre? Email emma.kirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au.