Middleton Beach plan passed unanimously

The Albany City Council has voted unanimously to approve the Middleton Beach development proposal of up to 12 storeys at a special council meeting tonight.

The council heard from residents for over an hour during public question time with majority opposing the proposed maximum height of 12 storeys on the hotel site.

Councillor Ray Hammond, who voted to move the motion said council needed to facilitate economic growth and warned councillors of the risk of losing control over the decision.

“If we don’t make a decision tonight someone is going to be making it for us,” Mr Hammond told council. Middleton Beach Group chair Jane Mouritz said she was disappointed by the decision.

“I wish they had shown leadership and said ‘no, we are listening to the community and we will oppose 12 storeys,” she said.

“However because they didn’t I understand that they will of taken on board what we have said and they will include that in the constructive decisions going forward.

“And hopefully there is still a door open for the community to be involved in an informative way as the development goes ahead.”

Despite the disappointment heard in the chambers, Mayor Dennis Wellington said councillors made the decision based on what they believe was best of Albany.

“I think they have to understand the councillors have spent a lot of time on this – this has been going on for a year,” he said.

“And quite frankly we have probably had more discussion of this than we have had on the entertainment centre in terms of consultation with the community.”

More in Thursday’sAlbany Advertiser.