A GUN shop will open in North Albury, adjacent to homes and schools, after an Albury Council committee last night recommended planning approval for the Buckingham Street business.
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The council’s planning and development committee unanimously ticked off the development application submitted on behalf of the firearms business, Toys For Big Boys Pty Ltd.
It had received 39 objections to the proposal from those including the Albury North Public School parents and citizens association, Kandeer School and local residents.
James Fallon High School is also in the vicinity.
Cr David Thurley raised his concerns about the name chosen for the business.
“I am really disappointed a company selling firearms is calling their business Toys For Big Boys,” he said.
“My question is whether as part of any consent we can regulate the use of signs with that name in any overt way?
“It is a concern of many of the people who have made submissions.”
In response, planning and development director Michael Keys said a standard condition with any additional signage outside that shown on the plans would be the subject of further approval by council.
“What some may find offensive might not be for the remainder of the population,” he said.
“We have to take it on its merits.”
Mr Keys said additional lighting planned for the business would also need to be contained to the property and not spill onto nearby homes.
The committee granted approval under “existing use” provisions in place for the shop.
Police had also assessed the business as a low crime risk.
Committee chairman Cr Daryl Betteridge said the building had been operating as a shop since 2004.
“We’re aware of the concerns of residents,” he said.
“But ultimately we have to defer to the advice of Albury Police in matters of safety and anti-social behaviour.
“They have raised no issues with this development and on those grounds we are recommending consent.
“We also have to bear in mind that the lawful sale of firearms is not illegal in NSW.
“As long as the shop operates within the Environment Planning and Assessment Act, there are no legal grounds to refuse consent.”
