THE old Lavington Library site has cleared another step in being re-classified from community to operational land, opening the door to a long-term term tenant or sale.
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The Albury Council last night completed the next stage in the re-classification of 329 Griffith Road when it considered public submissions.
Final approval is required from the NSW Planning and Environment Department in the process that started last year.
The council has attempted to rectify dual land classifications that previously existed on the site.
The former library is leased for five years by Albury- Wodonga Youth Emergency Service, following the collapse of previous tenant, Albury- Wodonga Community Network.
Cr Darren Cameron queried whether the leaseholders wanted more than the five years the council could offer.
The council’s economic development director Tracey Squire said its hands were tied.
“We advised it was only available for a five-year term,” she said.
“I cannot recall whether they had a specific preference otherwise. Five years was the scope of the conversation we had with them.”
Cr David Thurley said the advantages of re-classification of the land out-weighed the status quo.
“My view is the land should never be sold,” he said.
“It is a piece of land in the middle of Lavington which should be preserved for the community.
“There is nothing here in front of us that should cause us any major problem.”
A separate council resolution would be required before any sale could occur.
It also doesn’t have an identified use for community purposes which prompted the search for a commercial tenant last year.
Submissions opposing the planning proposal to re-classify the land were received from Ann Brennan, Dorothy Smith and Graeme Richardson.
The issue of the dual land classification emerged when council sought to lease the premises last year. The site can be leased for more than 30 years under the proposal.
Lavington Library occupied the building from 1991 before moving into the Northpoint Tower in 2013.