Yamba residents who live around the controversial $34 million Park Avenue 136 manufactured home development have been sent a “Dilapidation survey” on behalf of the developer Hometown to record the condition of their home and structures prior to development commencing.

Yamba Community Action Network Yamba CAN Inc’s committee is advising all residents in the vicinity of the development site to take photos of their home and structures on their property with dates to accurately record their current condition.

The Development Application DA for the 136 moveable homes, one exhibition home, clubhouse, swimming pool, gym and cinema, associated infrastructure and landscaping, was marred with controversy.

When Clarence Valley Council voted in February 2022 to refer the DA to the Northern Regional Planning Panel NRPP, the vote was split four to two, after the three council representatives on the panel were not permitted to vote.

Then the DA went before the NRPP three times, in March 2022 it was deferred for a draft flood evacuation plan to be developed, then in July 2022 it was deferred so an independent flood risk study could be conducted and considered.

The NRPP met on October 26, 2022, and the DA was approved by the panel in another split vote, three to two, with former Mayor Ian Tiley and former Deputy Greg Clancy voting against.

This week residents in the immediate vicinity of the Park Avenue site were sent a letter on behalf of developer Hometown, who have engaged Devex Pty Ltd to conduct the “Dilapidation survey”, which is required as a condition of development consent by council.

The letter advises residents Devex employees will undertake inspections of homes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until all properties have been inspected.

Yamba CAN Inc’s Secretary Lynne Cairns said any residents who have any concerns about the survey should contact Hometown Project Manager Alfred Corliss on 02 9276 6000.

“Yamba CAN Inc’s Committee suggests if you are in the vicinity of the Park Avenue development and have received this letter it may be in your best interest to take photos of the outside and inside of your home and any other structures, to have your own records,” Mrs Cairns said.

“Please ensure the photos are saved with their dates recorded for later reference just in case there is any damage to your home and structures during the construction of the Park Avenue development.”

Once the “Dilapidation survey” is complete, it is anticipated the development will commence, with a considerable amount of fill required on the site before construction starts.

Rodney Stevens