Six extra units and make over a boost for town

Written by PETER HUNT.

THE development of the Mansfield Travellers’ Motel in High Street has passed the Mansfield Shire Development Approvals Committee meeting with unanimous support from councillors.

The planning application was to construct an additional six motel units on the corner of High and Apollo streets in Mansfield, with an office and garage for the first floor manager’s residence.

Three submissions had been received with objections regarding traffic, parking, building design and the large blank wall facing Apollo Street.

Shire senior statutory planner, Anita Ware, said the application "provides a good outcome for a site lacking in appeal".

"It allows the extension of what is a good business," Ms Ware said.

She placed a variety of detailed information before the committee regarding the objections.

Councillors accepted the recommendations, including the waiving of car parking requirements, and the only item queried was the Apollo Street wall.

"I am very pleased to see a good development in the heart of town," Cr Dean Belle said.

"I would like to see the expanse of the Apollo Street wall broken up."

Cr Greg Wilder echoed these sentiments.

The owner of the premises, Michael Davidson, said they had previously altered the plans to fit in with council requests and they would fit in with the correct look.

He said the proposed works were the final stage of a three-stage project begun in 1991.

"The site is wasted as it is, but these works will complete it," Mr Davidson said.