Cobargo's tiny homes development given approval by Bega Valley Shire Council

The decision followed deputations by residents concerned by the density of the development and by the developer Darren Klower.

It also followed discussion in which there was a motion to defer the decision by Cr Mitchell Nadin, supported by Crs David Porter and Cathy Griff, for further community consultation, which was lost.

The mayor Russell Fitzpatrick pointed to council's affordable housing strategy and said there had been plenty of time for discussion.

The site at Village St, with the Cobargo Hotel to the north and Narira Creek to the east, is 1.05ha of vacant land owned by Darren Klower Investments.

On the one side was a group of Cobargo residents concerned about the density of the development and how it fitted into the style of Cobargo village. They argued that although the development has been in the pipeline for three years, for much of that time many people were not in a position to focus on this DA because they were struggling to deal with the effects of the Black Summer bushfires that ravaged the village.

One of the speakers asking for more time for consultation, Scott Herring, said that he had seen friends "fall in a heap" and that he himself went through months when he "didn't even have the energy to type an email".

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Against this was the argument, led by Cr Fitzpatrick that there had been multiple opportunities for comment and good awareness through stories in ACM plus council had adopted an afforable housing strategy, into which this development fitted.

"We have talked about alternative options since the year dot," Cr Fitzpatrick said. He asked people to look at Acacia Ponds, an over 55s site near Millingandi.

"These buildings cater for those who can no longer look after a major block anymore. We've been working on a draft affordability housing strategy for seven years, and the community says it's wonderful; we don't want it sitting on the shelf."

The 21 manufactured homes will sit on blocks of between 150sqm and 280sqm.

Mr Herring said it was an "ill-considered development" that "wasn't palatable" and he accused the developer of "dumping a substandard, insensitive project in our town right after the fires".

"We're not against this proposal, just against it in this form. Let's work with the developer and the community to make this better," Mr Herring said.

Speaking after the council meeting Mr Herring said the community was really disappointed that council did not grant the request for further consultation.

He said that while he accepted it had been in the pipeline since 2019, "the community had been very, very distracted over that time".

"We're really hoping Mr Klower will be good to his word. We would like the opportunity to discuss this and be pleased that it has come to the village," he said.

In questioning from councillors, Mr Klower insisted the homes would be stylish.

"This development is part of my vision for this community. In terms of the model some may be rented but there's an option to buy. We're targetting the older generation or younger people struggling to afford a home."

But he said the site would not allow for large families.

In discussion after the deputations Cr Fitzpatrick was adamant that having developed an affordable housing strategy and one which was endorsed by many in the community, the Cobargo development was an opportunity to enact it.

"It is what's coming; how do we expect young people to afford housing when blocks are going for $440,000. There are no stepping stones in place (between renting and owning a home). I'm sure the developer will work with the community. If we defer this it's only going to come back in three weeks," Cr Fitzpatrick said.

Cr Cathy Griff agreed that the idea behind the development was exactly what was in the affordable housing strategy.

"Neither Cr Nadin or I question the development. This is about a community which has expressed a lot of distress," Cr Griff said in support of a deferral.

"What we don't want is a community which feels it can't embrace this development. The fact that the developer turned up today is a really good sign. Certain things could be modified," she said acknowledging that the "community had just emerged from trauma".

Cr Helen O'Neil said it was time to put some certainty around the proposal.

"I see failures in community engagement and the pressure post the bushfires have made it hard to do properly. I feel it's important people know what is going to happen. I think developer is willing to listen. We need people to engage," Cr O'Neil said.

The vote to defer for consultation had the support of Crs Nadin, Porter and Griff but was lost.

In speaking to the motion to approve the development Cr Fitzpatrick said people had been notified twice and it had been advertised twice.

"No wonder there's a DA backlog because there's so much consultation. It's been done perfectly. I commend the developer for being willing to change," Cr Fitzpatrick said clearly venting some frustration over the process.

Crs Nadin and Porter voted against the motion to approve the DA. Residents spoke to Mr Klower afterwards and hope to have some further dialogue with him.

A manufactured housing estate is proposed on a vacant site abutting Village Street and Narira Creek on the southern side of Cobargo. Twenty one dwelling sites, in three stages, are proposed. All sites are to be subdivided under Section 23H of the Conveyancing Act 1919 (noting that leases cannot exceed 20 years). Civil works are proposed to be carried out in a staged manner. Common open areas with basic recreational facilities are also proposed. Dwellings will be one to three bedroom and include:

. a small garden shed for storage

. a single carport with a connecting driveway

. pathways to the home

. a decked outdoor (patio) area and front porch area.

Site development will involve a 20-year land lease agreement with residents. Some homes will be constructed and rented out by the developer.

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