Council
13 June, 2025
Councillors vote against recommendation
COUNCILLORS voted to approve a subdivision in Skibo at last month’s council meeting, despite the officer’s recommendation to refuse the planning permit.
The permit related to a two-lot subdivision on 2 Hurleys Road and 58 Cuthberts Road in Skibo, which was received on February 13.
No objections were received for the permit.
A horse training facility and track currently sits on the subject land, with the subdivision to separate the track from farming land currently established in the area.
Making a deputation to council at the meeting, applicant Rick Stewart said the land was currently under two titles – one of ten acres owned by another party and one of 23 acres owned by the applicant.
“We can’t make any money out of 23 acres, so we want to realign it, so the horse training facility and the track go onto one title and then we have a five-acre title down the bottom corner and we put that in with a housing plan and access to the road,” he said.
“The notice went out to all the neighbours and relevant authorities and there’s been no objections to the application at all.
“The change will give a five-acre block and a 20-acre allotment.”
The officer’s report presented to council recommended a refusal of the permit as the subdivision would not comply with the purpose and decision guidelines of the area and does not prioritise agricultural use of the land.
Councillor Laurie Hickey moved an alternative motion when the time came to vote, moving to approve the permit subject to conditions.
“This is an area that is less than two kilometres from the township of Camperdown,” Cr Hickey said.
“It is marked with small allotments along Cuthberts Road, and indeed that whole area to the west of Camperdown.
“A 25-hectare farm is not really viable for any farming needs in mainstream, however it does suit the ability for someone to be able to train horses and the like.
“A five-hectare lot allows for the development of a house with shedding associated with the building and they already are very small subdivisions, and is marked with a number of houses.
“I think there’s six or seven along Cuthberts Road already and a number on Hurleys Road – it’s not against what is the amenity of the area.”
The decision passed unanimously.
Read More: local