Affordable housing plan for Mullumbimby labelled Byron Shire town’s aneurysm

A controversial housing development in hippie Mullumbimby has been labelled the “equivalent of an aneurysm”, with questions raised about its impact on the local sewer system as the proposal divides opinion in northern NSW.

The preliminary concept design of the proposal, viewed from Station St. Picture: Landcom

A controversial housing development in hippie Mullumbimby has been labelled the “equivalent of an aneurysm”, with questions raised about its impact on the local sewer system as the proposal divides opinion in northern NSW.

Amid a housing crisis, 32 affordable rental homes for workers have been proposed for 57 Station St, Mullumbimby.

The town, nicknamed “Mullum”, is well-known for its farmers markets and colourful characters living alternative lifestyles.

Landcam, a state-owned land and property development organisation, is working with Byron Shire Council and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to deliver affordable rentals on a council-owned carpark.

Councillor Asren Pugh told this publication the proposal would be “perpetual affordable housing”, which he fully supported.

The preliminary concept design of the ground floor plan. Picture: Landcom

“The biggest complaint I hear from the community is the housing crisis that our shire faces,” he said.

“Yes, sometimes it’s even raised more than potholes.

Byron Shire councillor Asren Pugh. Picture: Supplied

“Addressing the housing crisis requires building more housing.

“Too often, I hear people say that we need more housing but ‘just not here’.”

Mr Pugh said houses needed to be built somewhere and Station St was a great site for new, genuinely affordable housing.

The proposed development aims to cater for workers on low to moderate incomes and is set to include a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments.

The preliminary concept design of the section elevation. Picture: Landcom

It is planned to be located near the town centre with easy walking access to local services and facilities.

There will also be retail space on the ground floor fronting Station St.

Mr Pugh said he did not support a ban on all new buildings in town, which some people were advocating for.

“When building new housing, we can either build within current town borders or build more urban sprawl,” he said.

“The best outcome for the environment and to address climate change is to build within current town borders.”

Burringbar St, Mullumbimby.

Residents expressed concerns about congestion, the height of the building and a reduction in parking spaces during the proposal’s community consultation period.

However, one resident was particularly concerned about the planned removal of a nearby public toilet facility to make way for the homes.

“The site is frankly at the carotid artery of the brain stem of the town, and it is the equivalent of an aneurysm,” user “Lucy” commented on the Landcom website during the proposal’s community consultation period.

“The building removes a public toilet amenity completely, leaving people nowhere to defecate.”

Lucy added that the building would pose “a waste and vermin issue” by supplying limited “waste receptacles for 32 units, for humans who typically produce more waste than ideal”.

“The sewer system probably doesn’t support the development,” she said.

While the planning is in early stages, the publication understands each home will have its own toilet.

On its website, Landcom said it would provide “an update after the development application has been finalised and submitted to (the) council” in early 2025.

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