Put 56 metre tower in a better location, say residents

Campbelltown Council has listened to the pleas of local residents and decided to put a plan for a giant 56 metre telecommunications tower on hold.

Two residents, both of whom live on five acre properties along Menangle Road, addressed council last night.

Both requested council reconsider approval for the tower, which they said would be an eyesore.

“It would be incompatible with the rural landscape,’’ one of the residents told council.

Cr Bob Thompson agreed and successfully moved a motion to defer a decision until after an inspection had taken place.

“Fair enough that we should go and have a look at the site to see how it impacts on residents nearby,’’ Cr Thompson said.

Despite lodging an objection when the proposal was put on public exhibition, the application came before council with a recommendation for a green light.

“The height of the tower would dominate the immediate open skyline and will be an eyesore,’’ said one resident in their submission.

“The tower is proposed to be constructed in the far corner of the site where it is a blight on surrounding properties,’’ was another comment by a resident.

Other comments included:

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I do not want to look over my 5 acres with this ugly tower looking at me. Place the tower where it will not disturb the scenery.[/social_quote]

“The development would hinder the value and enjoyment of nearby properties.

“Construct the tower closer to Western Sydney University’s own assets instead of locating it in the far corner of Lot 7 Narellan Road.’’

Last night the two residents urged council and the applicant to try to find a new location for the tower.

“There are plenty of other more suitable sites,’’ they said.

♦ In other council decisions last night:

• The Heritage Protection sub committee, which has been operating since 1996, was disbanded. Council will now refer applications relating to heritage items to the Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society.

• It endorsed the appointment of several community members to the Campbelltown Arts Centre Strategic committee, including former councillor Rudi Kolkman.