Developer allays fears over project
The developer behind a controversial Frenchman Bay development has refuted suggestions the project has not considered potential environmental impacts at the site.
The Albany City Council adopted a Harley Dykstra Development Guide Plan for the purpose of public advertising at a council meeting in March and public submissions have since been sought.
The development proposes 20 holiday accommodation units, 10 permanent residential units, a reception, kiosk and caretaker's building, landscaping and barbecue facilities and boat parking
In a comprehensive submission sent to the City last month, the Frenchman Bay Association outlined concerns around the use of an onsite bore and the disposal of effluent water on or under the site.
"With the current level of scientific understanding of the sub-surface site characteristics, we feel that the environmental impacts of both groundwater pumping and sewage effluent disposal need to be properly quantified before the (plan) progresses any further," the submission said.
"We feel that it is imperative that these studies are completed before the assessment process progresses much further, to avoid potential embarrassment and the complete financial failure of any proposed development."
A Harley Dykstra spokesman said the purpose of the City of Albany application was not to gain approval for environmental aspects, but to guide development at the site.
The spokesman said if the City chose to adopt the plan, a development application would then be lodged detailing effluent disposal and water supply.
"We are confident that the development can meet requirements with minimal environmental impact," he said.
The Frenchman Bay Association called a special meeting last week to discuss its position on the potential for long-term residential units at the site with close to all 35 members present voting to oppose the inclusion of permanent residential units at the site.
However, Harley Dykstra said the units were not permanent, rather unrestricted stay holiday apartments, meaning occupants could stay longer than three months if desired.
According to the spokesman, the purpose of the units was to keep aspects of the development such as the kiosk viable in slow winter months as well as adding vibrancy.
Information sessions will be on May 29 from 8-11am at South Coast Progress Association Hall and from 1-3.30pm at the Senior Citizens Centre on Grey Street.
