Cr Graham needed to seek development approval for this farm building. Photo: Auspan Agricultural
Public officials are subject to more public scrutiny than ordinary citizens.
Esperance Shire councillors are no exception.
This week, a councillor’s new farm building needed development approval at a full council meeting.
Cr Wes Graham proposes to erect a new shed at his property at 1411 Dalyup Road.
If he had not been a councillor, Shire officers could have approved the development application under delegated authority, but a special policy applies to applications lodged by senior staff and elected councillors.
Planning services coordinator Peter Wilks told councillors the building’s proposed height exceeded the nine-metre limit for non-industrial development.
“However with the building being 93 metres from the closest boundary line the increased building height will not have a significant impact on the surrounding amenity,” he wrote.
“It is considered that this is a minor variation that can be supported by planning officers.”
Mr Wilks said the property was affected by Special Control Area 5 – Wetlands of Significance and Lake Warden Recovery Catchment, which required development approval for all works.
However he noted that the proposal was for an agricultural building on an existing agricultural site with no clearing required.
“It is considered that referral to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction was not required as the Agricultural Building would not have any impact on the nearby Lake Gore catchment,” Mr Wilks wrote.
Council voted 6-0 to grant development approval.
