The February Meeting of Kiama Councill has tonight rejected staff advice to approve the Golden Valley Way DA in Jamberoo.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang said it must be rejected because it was inconsistent with a number of aspects of the Kiama Development Control Plan and concerns over the way Aboriginal heritage was being managed.

“I do not oppose development in this area, but this proposal in its current form is what I’m most concerned about,” she said.

Her motion echoed concerns outlined in Public Access by the Secretary of the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers & Residents Association, Ros Neilson, who cited many reasons, including it being out of character with the rest of the village, access and traffic concerns and visual impact.

Lawson Fredericks, of the developer Fountaindale Group, says, "It’s very disappointing that Kiama councillors did not support their own staff’s recommendation for approval of the Golden Valley subdivision.

"We have been through two years of negotiation with Council officers and various State Government departments and it’s clear that our proposal is compliant with all relevant policies so this is obviously a political decision.

"We will be considering our position over the next few days and taking expert legal advice regarding our options." 

The proposal was for the 21.5ha site to yield 51 lots ranging in size from 800sqm to 1077sqm, with one access point from Golden Valley Rd.

The motion was opposed by Councillors Croxford, Brown and Steel.