Geoff Helisma | Councillors have unanimously granted conditional approval for a function centre at Riverside Ranch on Micalo Island, Yamba. At the June 26 Clarence Valley Council meeting, councillors endorsed “temporary use of land for up to 18 wedding functions per year” over a three-year period. “Temporary use” was granted under Clause 2.8 of the valley’s local environment plan, which “permits the temporary use of land …, which may ordinarily be prohibited in the [rural] zone, for a maximum period of 28 days (whether consecutive or not) in any 12 month period”. The development application was lodged following noise complaints from residences across the river at Orion Drive. To ameliorate the noise issue, the proponents will sound proof the barn “to council’s satisfaction”, which staff advised councillors would make it unlikely for it “to have any adverse impact on the surrounding neighbourhood”. Guest numbers will be restricted to 150 and functions are banned on Sundays and public holidays. Outdoor acoustic music –outdoor amplified music is banned – must cease by 8pm, amplified music in the barn must cease by 10.30pm and guests must depart the venue by 11.15pm. Noise measurements will be taken on “no less than four times at regular intervals to assess compliance with the requirements of the conditions of consent, at the expense of the applicant” within the first year of operation. Council staff also advised the approved “period will allow the continued use of the land while Council has the opportunity to consider allowing function centres in RU1 and RU2 zones”.