The mansion and farmstay proposal for a Croom property on Jamberoo Road will not go ahead as originally planned.
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The developer has been advised to redesign the plans following a NSW Land and Environment Court hearing onsite at the proposed development.
The Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association (JVRRA) said they were advised the proposal will be redesigned.
It is understood the developer has been asked to reduce the scale and location of the main dwelling and cluster the farmstay houses.
When plans are resubmitted, the new development application will be subject to the usual application assessment processes and another public exhibition.
The initial proposal, dubbed “Croom Castle” by locals, would have seen the demolition of an existing dairy, the construction of a large rural dwelling with a floor area of 3340 square metres, a secondary dwelling, information and education building, farm stay accommodation with five cabins, hay and tractor sheds and roadworks. The combined total floor area of buildings in preliminary plans was 4605 square metres.
“The issue of whether the proposal will be a genuine farm stay facility will probably still be an issue,” JVRRA vice chair Graham Pike said.
In his presentation to the Land and Environment Court, Mr Pike mentioned there could be Aboriginal heritage sites on the property, despite the fact that the DA did not record such heritage. The proponent has been requested to undertake a full archaeological survey of the property. A post-hearing check of NSW government data has also confirmed that there are Aboriginal sites on the property.
“While our submission was not the only one against this DA on the day, it shows what can be achieved if residents make a united effort, when assisted by our (Kiama) councillors, in striving to protect our valley and village from developers seeking to destroy our rural heritage,” Mr Pike said.
“We should also thank residents who made submissions to council in support of our stand against this DA.
“JVRRA is the Jamberoo community’s representative body and works to represent community views to local and state governments.”
A Kiama Council spokesman told the Kiama Independent the issue is still in mediation.
“The proponent has verbally advised they will be amending their plans, council has received no further information since,” council’s spokesman said.
