Nimbin Candle Factory launches fight against lodged residential unit proposal

This Northern Rivers business has been a staple of the community for over 30 years but a new development could see the family-run store battling against their neighbours.

The proposed unit for Lot 10, 4/2 Blue Knob Road. The development is currently opposed by the owners of Nimbin Candle Factory (inset).

A popular Northern Rivers business fears a new residential unit could hurt the family store, deeming the B&B application “inappropriate”.

Frustrated owners of Nimbin Candle Factory have voiced their opposition to the lodged development application beside their work premises, on Unit 4 Lot 10 Blue Knob Rd.

The application, submitted on behalf Karen Ratcliffe, proposes to convert an existing art studio into a residential unit with future plans to transform the space into an air B&B unit at a second stage.

The top floor would feature a bedroom, study, lounge and bathroom with the ground floor to consist of a studio bedroom and storage area.

According to planning documents, the Blue Knob Rd unit complex includes numerous multipurpose units and businesses such as a theatre, cafe and the candle factory.

The development application promised “no loss of amenity” to those neighbouring units but Nimbin Candle Factory owners Craig and Steven Fry beg to differ.

Nimbin Candle Factory co-owner Lisa Fry pictured here. Nimbin Candles is an Australian Candle manufacturer, specialising in Non-toxic, hand dipped, traditionally made candles. Picture: Scott Fletcher

In a written submission, the pair claim the DA was lodged to coincide with the change of ownership in their business, and that of another unit in the strata.

They stressed the development was wrong for the space, and asked Lismore City Council for an extended exhibition time for the business’ new owners.

“We have run our family business from the adjoining unit since 2005, the Candle Factory has been in this location since 1989,” they wrote.

“We feel the use of the old freezer rooms as a residential unit, or for bath and toilet facilities, directly adjacent to our candle factory, is an inappropriate use of this space.

“Where does our candle factory sit if we have residential units surrounding us?

“We’re sure we wouldn’t be able to install a candle factory in a residential unit block and the mix of commercial and residential which is the current situation does not work well.”

The couple added the residential unit could pose parking issues.

“We have issues with parking, difficulty receiving delivery trucks, sewage, security and now with the apparent approval of a new Visitor Centre in the building, more caravans, camper vans and traffic,” they wrote.

“For these reasons we oppose this change.”
Lismore City Council is yet to make a decision on the development.