Future of new Margaret River light industrial area deferred as shire councillors seek clarity on housing

Councillors have sought more time to consider changes to planning approvals for Margaret River’s “new” light industrial area. The landholding off the perimeter road was approved and built last decade, but has languished without servicing for water and power. Representatives for the new consortium who recently bought the LIA fronted last Wednesday night’s meeting to ask for minor changes to enshrine planning certainty as part of their sales pitch to buyers. They noted the project needed $2.5 million up-front and a further $12.5m in the first lot of sales to make the site feasible. Margaret River’s existing LIA is already at capacity. The alternative future site established on the bypass was designed as a transition for existing businesses, modelled similarly to Cowaramup’s industrial area, and initially envisaged to cater to businesses including car yards. Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillors moved to defer consideration of the item at last week’s meeting at the invitation of LIA spokesperson John Low. Among the concerns cited by the developer was whether caretaker dwellings would be allowed in all three types of blocks. Planning consultant Peter Gleed said minor tweaks were also needed to clarify aspects of the approval affecting the caretaker dwellings which could not be built until businesses were operating. “Concern has been expressed by potential buyers over shortage of housing (and) remoteness of the estate (from Margaret River),” he said. Mr Low said the 10-year project featuring 71 lots would roll out in three-to-four stages, with about 25 lots measuring 2500-3700sqm in stage one. “Inclusion of a provision for caretaker dwellings should expand the buyer profile as well as having intrinsic benefits on a range of community levels,” he said. Mr Low also noted most LIAs from Peel to the south included such options. Shire sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan said on-site homes had to be managed carefully because they had caused headaches in other industrial areas due to amenity concerns.