Jamberoo decision due soon

EMMA SPILLETT
espillett@kiamaindependent.com.au

THE Land and Environment Court is expected to make a decision on the proposed Crighton Retirement Village this week.

After viewing the site and interviewing Jamberoo residents last week, the appeal moved to the Albion Park Court last Wednesday (September 17), where representatives from Crightons and the J’Roo Forum presented submissions.

Marc McLaren presented on behalf of the J’Roo Forum and said it was a fairly interesting day. He was satisfied with the group’s submission.

“We presented for nearly two hours on a variety of concerns with the development,” he said.

The court reconvened at noon, when representatives for Crightons presented their case, focusing on the need for a facility allowing long-term Jamberoo residents and others to retire in a rural setting.

Commisioners Annelise Tuor and Mark Taylor also visited the Mayflower Home in Gerringong and Kiama’s Blue Haven.

The appeal moved to the Sydney Land and Environment Court on Thursday, where a supporter for Crighton Properties described the day’s hearing as a “legal sparring match” with both sides objecting to various evidential points.

Council barrister Phillip Clay showed concern for the proposed plantation around the development and its contravention of the Seniors Living Policy.

Traffic experts and members of the RTA also presented. A spokesperson for the RTA argued that one of the entry points for the development was dangerous and needed to be redesigned to increase visibility.

Issues of social planning were addressed on Friday with the council’s expert, Judith Stubbs, coming under fire from Crighton’s legal team, which questioned her on a range of topics including the social impact of the development and its integration with the Jamberoo community.

The case was adjourned on Monday at the decision of the barristers for both sides, who decided not to continue while one of the junior commissioners was absent.

Debate on social planning issues was expected to continue yesterday, followed by discussion on Cultural Heritage and Planning.

A final decision is expected to be announced today (Wednesday).