Objectors to be protected

RESIDENTS objecting to planning proposals will now have their identity protected to avoid possible confrontation with land developers.
Councillors voted at last Tuesday’s council meeting to have the identifying details of authors removed from copies of letters and petitions objecting to planning proposals before they are made publicly available.
The move came after an objector to a planning application complained to council after a copy of his objection was provided by council to the permit applicant.
The applicant then approached the objector to discuss his concerns with the copy of objection.
Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson said removing the name would protect residents and allow developers to address the issues on the objection not the person objecting.
Councillor Colin Butler said the move would make it less intrusive for neighbours and other residents to lodge an objection and could help avoid confrontation.
A council report tabled last week said very rarely did council receive feedback from objectors who had been intimidated or harassed by the application in relation to their objection.
It also said that although council officers did not encourage applicants to approach objectors, in some cases this could often be positive in terms of negotiating change to the proposal which could benefit those involved.