Greenhouses rejected by Ballina Council over land sterilisation plans

The development application proposed the erection of two greenhouses to be used to propagate potted plants.

The application proposed the erection of two greenhouses to be used to propagate potted plants.

A development application for the erection of two greenhouses to propagate potted plants has been rejected by Ballina Shire Council as “overdevelopment” because it would sterilise 5.2 hectares of land.

The application, for 348 Rous Road, Rous Mill, was discussed by Ballina Shire Council on Thursday.

Councillor Sharon Cadwallader said the application would “desecrate the land” and that it contained “a number of inconsistencies.”

Cr Jeff Johnson said he could not support the proposed development.

“I do feel for the proponent, they have been working with council staff for a couple of years now, but the application, as it stands today, I feel is excessive,” he said.

The proposed development would include six shade house structures, two work sheds, 13 rainwater tanks, extensive earthworks, access driveways, vegetation removal, landscaping and other associated works.

“The proposed earthworks, given their extent and depth will, in effect, permanently sterilise approximately 54 per cent of the land from cultivation for food and fibre,” a council staff report stated.

The subject land at Lot 3, 348 Rous Road, Rous Mill.

According to the council’s staff the development would have significant impacts which could be mitigated to some extent, because of its size and the extent of earthworks proposed.

“However, sterilisation of 5.2 hectares of State Significant Farmland, visual impacts and impacts on the landscape and rural character of the area will result from the development,” the report said.

The development was rejected by the council at their May 27 meeting.