Woolworths go-ahead near | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

Woolworths are close to getting approval for an on-site sewerage system for its planned controversial supermarket at Mullumbimby.

Despite Commissioner Robert Hussey reserving his decision in the Land and Environment Court before Christmas, observers believe he will rule in favour of Woolworths’ appeal against Byron Council’s refusal of a Section 68 application for an on-site system for the Station Street site.

It seems now the only issue is how long the approval will be granted for.

The Section 68 application must be obtained by Woolworths before a construction certificate is issued for the supermarket.

In August, the council rejected the Section 68 application because Woolworths had failed to demonstrate that appropriate arrangements could be made for the management of sewage generated by the development.

Woolworths lodged an appeal against the council’s decision in the Land and Environment Court and was permitted to submit a revised proposal for an on-site system.

The council said it stood by its original decision and had continued to defend its refusal of the application.

Commissioner Hussey is expected to hand down his decision at the end of January.