Councillors vote in favour of a bright future for the West

Narrabri Shire councillors supported a recommendation to demolish a structurally flawed, heritage-listed building on Mooloobar Street, so the site can potentially be developed into a 23-unit motel.

The development application, seeking consent for the demolition, was referred to council for determination because the building is heritage listed and forms part of the Railway Station Precinct.

It is also known as the former Imperial Hotel.

An engineering report prepared by W.J. Bryan Consulting Civil and Structural Engineer, and presented to NSC councillors in the most recent council meeting business paper states: “the building has structural problems; and that the stairway and rear verandah do not comply with code requirements.

“It is the opinion of the structural engineer that the building be demolished.”

Councillor Brett Dickinson moved the motion stating, “We need to move forward, and it looks like a development that’s going to make a difference over in the West, so I’m all for it,” said Cr Dickinson.

Mayor Ron Campbell commented on issues with the two-storey building’s structural integrity.

“It’s only a good thing for the community and I don’t think we’re ruining our heritage … as much as I’m all for historical buildings, I think the advantages of this far outweighs those considerations,” said Cr Campbell.

Deputy mayor Cathy Redding, a proud business owner and resident from Narrabri West seconded the motion.

“I’m in full favour of this recommendation, there’s a lot of activity happening in the west,” said Cr Redding.

“Finally, something will be established there.”

The business paper states council’s consultant heritage advisor Ray Christison had reviewed the subject application.

“Council’s advisor supports the proposal subject to the preparation and submission of an archival record of the building, which has been conditioned in the recommended terms of consent,” states the business paper.

It was also noted that the proposed development was unlikely to have adverse impacts on the natural environment or on the streetscape.

The proposal was neighbour notified and advertised in accordance with the council’s community participation plan – no submissions were received during the notification period.

“The proposed development has been assessed to be in the public interest as detailed throughout this report, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions of development consent,” states the business paper.

The seven councillors present at the meeting all voted in favour of the recommendation, granting consent subject to conditions of development consent.