Tony Denny Colorbond fence at Killcare Heights approved by court
The Land and Environment Court has handed down its decision on the Colorbond fence that divided public opinion, created a kerfuffle at council and infuriated a wealthy property developer.
The NSW Land and Environment Court has upheld an appeal that will allow millionaire property developer Tony Denny to keep his controversial Colorbond fence.
The beige fence was famously rejected by Central Coast Council in February after a backlash from the Killcare Heights community which said it was our of character with the “rural” nature of the suburb.
However, the decision wasn’t a clear cut one to allow the original fence.
The Land and Environment Court allowed Mr Denny to submit an amended proposal which will mean the demolition of the original $4000 fence and it’s replacement with a new one which will have to:
■ Be moved 1.5m inside the boundary line;
■ Have “indents” added to provide relief to the appearance of the fence.
■ Have spaces added in the indents to provide some degree of transparency.
■ Be painted a more neutral “mid-tone” colour.
■ Provide gaps beneath the fence for fauna access.
Central Coast council issued a statement about the decision which the Court was satisfied that the visual impact of the new fence was acceptable and consistent with the desired future character of the locality.
“The Court was also satisfied that the proposal conforms to the Rural Fire Service’s Planning for Bushfire Protection,” the statement said.
“The Court considered that it could grant consent on these terms in the proper exercise of its functions.”
Mr Denny said he was “very pleased” with the result of the mediation with Central Coast Council.
“It’s a pity that [previous mayor] Jane Smith intervened and overturned the original permission granted by Central Coast Council,” Mr Denny said.
“I estimate this process would have cost local ratepayers $30-40k in unnecessary legal and consultant costs,” he said.
“In my opinion Jane Smith should resign immediately for wasting ratepayer’s funds.
“The Central Coast deserves better.”
IN OTHER NEWS
Splash of vino, darl?: Car thief locked up after wine text bungle
A serial offender with more than 50 prior charges broke into a popular pub and stole thousands of bucks worth of booze before foolishly texting his lady a pic – asking if she was keen for a drop.
Alleged dog shooter ‘likely’ to plead guilty: Court
A man who allegedly robbed an elderly couple in their motorhome before shooting their dog with an air rifle is ‘likely’ to plead guilty, a court has heard.