The development application (DA) for Jones Transport Pty Ltd to operate onto an adjoining site at MacDonald and Shaw streets in Yass, was discussed at the Wednesday night council meeting.
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Concern was raised that the expanded operation was having an adverse impact on the nearby residential area and the question was asked why this expansion had been allowed to occur without any consultation.
Jones Transport Pty Ltd, situated in an industrial/business zone and in operation for over 40 years, was contacted regarding the lack of permission to use the land and the need for planning approval. The DA is the result of this compliance action.
In the submissions received, noise was identified to be the issue of the greatest concern, particularly at night.
The proposed operating restrictions were for 6am until 9pm.
Adrian and Kristel Jones from Jones Transport Pty Ltd attended the council's open forum to advocate for the business and discuss their concerns over the restrictions.
“We feel the extension of hours is important for not only the safety of our staff but for surrounding residents also,” Mrs Jones said.
“If they can reverse in at night time they would drive straight out in the morning. At these times there are less residents or children on the street.”
The company employs 20 locals and has been in operation since 1975. Both Adrian and Kristel said that they recorded the traffic over the last five weeks during early mornings and late evening to be minimal and unintrusive, with only two mornings and three evenings a week.
The company surveyor Jamie Bush also spoke at the open forum advocating for the company to continue to operate without the restrictions.
“They are a small business and one that employs heaps of people from the community,” Mr Bush said.
“The Jones’ are stressed about needing to extend the hours of operation. These hours are infrequently used and may be sometimes necessary.
“I counted some businesses from 15 different industries around the same area, all operating at different times."
Resident Linda Maxwell said that with the hours they are currently working, there is insufficient peace and quiet.
“If this is approved they will exist year in and out,” she said.
“We have to ask if this is what we want to be setting a precedent for.”
Councillor Ann Daniel spoke up to remove the restrictions all together.
“No other business has had these restrictions placed on them and it’s unreasonable for the company to get back to the depot precisely on time. If you want to impose curfews then do it for everyone else,” she said.
Councillor Jasmin Jones questioned whether the company vehicles should be allowed to come and go as they please.
“Would we be setting a precedent for other companies that would take advantage of these unrestricted hours?"
Council's recommendations stated that no restrictions be placed on the business and Conditional Development Consent be issued under delegation for the DA for the formalisation of a transport depot and the installation of a diesel fuel tank (private use).