Motel 'monstrosity' at Nimbin approved despite critics

A MOTEL made up of 24 repurposed shipping containers on Nimbin's iconic Cullen St has been given the tick of approval by Lismore City Council.

The controversial Nimbin development, "The Cubes", has been approved.ContributedTHE CUBES: Photomontage of the proposed development from the public car park to the south of the site.. Picture: Contributed

A CONTROVERSIAL motel development on Nimbin's main street has been approved by Lismore City Council, after councillors delegated the decision to the general manager Gary Murphy, thereby avoiding a council vote.

"The Cubes" at 78-82 Cullen St is composed of 24 shipping containers repurposed as one bedroom, air conditioned units designed for short stays in the town.

Guests would book and pay for their $99 per night stays and gain entry to the motel entirely online, through an innovative new system which cuts out reception staff.

Over the course of the development application's two public exhibitions since it was first lodged in June 2015 (the second one after several modifications were made by the proponent on the direction of the council) it has received almost 50 submissions by locals, mostly in opposition.

The majority of the criticisms argued the motel clashed with the town's image - in one detractor's words, an "out of place monstrosity, posing as 'eco-friendly' and 'in tune' with Nimbin".

There were also parking issues raised about the proposal, with the proponent only allowing for half the required number of onsite car parks.

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce supported the proposal however, arguing it would provide more appealing overnight accommodation encouraging day trippers to stay longer.

Councillors originally deferred a decision on the controversial development in December.

They requested the proponent to substantially revise the plan and then delegated approval authority to the general manager.

A new DA was submitted on February 29, after which a "comprehensive assessment of the amended plans and submissions by Council planning staff resulted in a recommendation for approval", subject to conditions.

Some of the amendments to the original proposal included:

- A reduction of the number of motel units by a quarter from 32, to 24.

- Formalise the proposal for car parking to be provided on council land within the car park located to the south.

- Amend elements of the proposed managers' residence building, including the verandah design, shop front design, and a final design of the parapet and mural.

- Provide an arboricultural report demonstrating how the trees identified for possible retention could be safely incorporated into the development.