A proposed joint Optus and Vodafone tower in Whitebridge is on the agenda for tonight's Lake Macquarie Council meeting.
The tower has been hotly contested by residents who fear health risks from radiofrequency electromagnetic energy and a decrease in land value surrounding the development.
Over 120 public submissions against the proposal have been received by Council, including two petitions and a large number of proforma responses.
According to council documents, the application for the development proposes "the installation of a 35-metre high monopole, with mounted hexagonal headframe bringing the total height of the structure to 37.25 metres," which exceeds the current 15-metre maximum building height outlined in the Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan.
The applicant company, Visionstream, have submitted a written request to Council asking to vary the maximum building height.
The development application also fails to strictly comply with the 5-metre street setback control under Council’s Development Control Plan.
However, the applicant has proposed planting a landscape screen, to "provide adequate screening of the development at street level."
Lake Macquarie Councillor John Gilbert said a development like this tower has no place in a residential neighbourhood.
"It is okay for them because it is not going right next to their own house or in their own neighbourhood, so of course they have got the "I'm alright Jack" attitude.
"I think that is unacceptable. I think we have got to take into account that every person has a value, every person has a right and every person has a right not to have those things next door to their house, especially when there are so many non-residential opportunities," Mr Gilbert said.
No objection has yet been raised by Council officers in departments such as, Development Assessment and Compliance (Aboriginal Heritage, Erosion/Sediment Control, Landscape/Urban Streetscape, Engineering, Building, Flora/Fauna); Waste Environment and Rangers (Contamination, Health, Noise); Sustainability (Air Quality); and Asset Management (Driveway, Traffic), which hinders predictions as to what the outcome will be.
Mr Gilbert believes the outcome of tonight's meeting is a toss of the coin.
"There seem to be councillors who feel it's okay and there are councillors who are, like me, against the development.
"So, it is really going to depend on what comes out of the discussion at the council as to which way people go.
"I will not be changing my stance, no matter what gets discussed. I'll be doing my best to make sure this does not go through," Mr Gilbert said.
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| The proposed location of a 37-metre mobile phone tower. |
