COROWA farmer Robert Pearce's opposition to a $10 million eco-tourist resort being built next door to his Murray River property has been boosted ahead of a Joint Regional Planning Panel hearing into the plan.
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An independent assessment carried out on behalf of Federation Council has recommended the development application be refused on six key points including the site being unsuitable for the proposed activities and doesn't satisfy the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
Also the caravan park site and manufactured cabins were prohibited in the prevailing E3 zone and comprise 63.1 per cent of the accommodation proposed.
"Council is not satisfied that the development has been adequately designed to fulfil the expectations of an eco-tourist facility operating on the subject site," Garry Salvestro, the planning consultant engaged by council, said.
"Despite adequate time to reconsider certain issues in relation to the proposal, the applicant has submitted for determination a development that is not supported by relevant authorities and agencies, and does not satisfy council that it is designed to avoid adverse environmental impact and achieve the objectives of the zone and other applicable sections of the relevant environmental planning instruments."
The JRPP hearing will take place in Corowa on Thursday and Mr Pearce, who lives next door to the property earmarked for the resort, has been the most vocal opponent.
"I hope the JRPP panel agrees with the assessment report and it can be put to bed, but we are not taking anything for granted," he said.
"There have been a lot of swings and changes over the last 14 months, but it appears there has been a change of heart once all the evidence has been put together.
"In my opinion there were a lot of things wrong in the development application.
"But between our submission and the NSW Environmental Defenders Office letters I think things are looking a bit more promising."
