Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
THE appeal process against the expansion of a timber processing plant’s operating hours at Yahl is continuing in the Environment, Resources and Development Court.
The appeal has been lodged against a plan by Roundwood Solutions to expand its operating hours by a third party.
The appeal follows Grant District Council’s independent planning assessors, from council’s Development Assessment Panel, giving the development application the green light.
Council environmental services director Leith McEvoy gave elected members an update regarding the court proceedings in the chamber on Monday night.
“The reasons for the appeal relate to the decision being seriously at variance with the relevant objectives and principles in Grant District Council’s Development Plan,” Mr McEvoy said.
The preliminary conference between all parties was scheduled to be held on October 8, but the third party failed to attend.
The court has now set a conciliation conference date between all parties on October 23.
“At this time it is unknown if a possible compromise may be achieved in relation to this appeal,” Mr McEvoy said.
Council has made the unusual decision not to to defend the planning decision if the appeal proceeds to a full appeal hearing.
Elected members voted not to defend the decision at its Tarpeena full meeting last month.
