BISHOP Druitt College has been refused an application to establish a Boarding House at the College by Coffs Harbour City Council due to bushfire concerns.

The development application for a Boarding House (change of use and alterations) to allow for international student accommodation at the College was estimated to cost $350,000 and be located next to the College at 83 North Boambee Road, Boambee Valley.

The development was to alter an existing two-storey dwelling into a boarding house which would contain a Common Room, Carers Room and five Student Rooms on the upper floor and a Common Room, Carers Room and another five Student Rooms on the lower floor.

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The development application was placed on public exhibition for public comment from 7 August to 21 August last year.

Council documents stated that the development was not considered suitable for approval because “the development cannot afford buildings and their occupants protection from exposure to a bush fire”.

“The existing construction of the building is considered deficient in its ability to withstand either; large radiant heat fluxes or actual flame immersion that may be likely in a bushfire event,” Council determination documents stated.

“The development cannot provide appropriate separation between a hazard and buildings which, in combination with other measures, prevent the likely fire spread to buildings.

“The development that is at risk of bushfire is not in the public interest.”

The specific bushfire hazard is considered to be ‘forest’ located to the east of the proposed development.

By Emma DARBIN