Prefabricated homes ban
Prefabricated buildings will be prohibited in Port Geographe following a decision by the Busselton City Council on Wednesday.
City staff presented a report to the council on the planning controls in the suburb following a controversial home was relocated to the development last year.
The staff recommended more controls on transportable houses to allow for a more uniform approach to construction. Mayor Ian Stubbs took the recommendation further with an amendment, moved by Gordon Bleechmore in his absence, to put a blanket ban on the prefabricated buildings.
Cr Stubbs, in his reasons for proposing the change, said Port Geographe originally had its own town planning scheme so minimum standards could apply which were higher than other areas of the city.
The adopted amendment to the scheme means future transportable homes or prefabricated homes will be consistent with the character of the locality in Port Geographe, which was the initial concern of the Port Geographe Land Owners' Association.
Port Geographe resident said the changes need to be made to protect the interests of existing home owners. "Residents need some safeguarding against pre-fabricated, transportable homes," he said.
He said staff recommendations were a step in the right direction, but did not shut the door on the issue. The changes will be amended for government approvals and subsequent community consultation.
