Council stands by housing decision

THE troubled story of the Perradenya Housing Estate took another turn when Lismore City Council refused to change planning conditions for developer Rous Water.

The development at Perradenya. Picture: Jacklyn Wagner

THE troubled story of the Perradenya Housing Estate took another turn on Tuesday night when Lismore City Council refused to change planning conditions for the developer, Rous Water.

The regional water authority had hoped to amend development conditions requiring it to build a water reclamation system and a shared walking/cycle track at the estate, but Lismore councillors followed advice of staff in rejecting it.

Perradenya was supposed to be a showcase for sustainable, water-efficient development, but the dream went sour when the State Government refused to approve the construction of a recycled drinking water plant some years ago.

Councillors did approve an amendment by Rous regarding open spaces and wildlife corridor, agreeing to take on responsibility for maintenance after all infrastructure and embellishments are completed.

Rous Water chair Phil Silver appealed to the council during public access to reconsider the recommendations by staff but councillors were unswayed - the authority will consider its position at its next meeting.

Former Lismore mayor and Perradenya resident, Ros Irwin, congratulated the council on its recommendations and implored it to "defend them assiduously".

Originally published as Council stands by housing decision