Shoalhaven Council orders structures on Terara land to be demolished

The premises has also been operating as an unapproved gym on a regular basis since the closure of the SOLA sustainable garden project. 

Shoalhaven City Council has ordered the landowner to demolish the shed and remove the shutters. 

The land at 5 Nobblers Lane is currently leased by Waminda, a South Coast women's health and welfare Aboriginal corporation. 

Shoalhaven City Council Building and Compliance manager Colin Wood said the shed had not been approved and was erected by the tenant without the landowner’s consent.

Mr Wood said an extensive investigation into activities on the site had been completed. 

“Council has issued an order to the property owner to remove the unauthorised zincalume shed and shutters,” he said. 

“Council does not have the power to direct the tenant to do this work.”

Mr Wood said the landowner would not be penalised as he did not have any involvement in the unauthorised structures. 

He said the tenant and the builder had been cautioned.

“This happens quite a bit,” Mr Wood said. 

“The tenant actually suffers a loss because they have paid for the shed and the builder to erect it.”

The land is currently zoned to be used by rural industries, however it is being used as a community facility.

Mr Wood said the tenant did not have consent to operate on the site and would not gain approval if an application was submitted. 

He said council had issued a “cease of use order”.

“On the basis of a complaint, and from the investigation, it was evident that a gym was operating,” Mr Wood said.

“That use is not permissible and the cease use order will deal with this aspect.

“The gym is unauthorised.”

Residents complained to council several months ago about the misuse of the property and the unapproved dwelling and shutters, however were only informed by council on what steps would be taken on May 30.