The matter was dealt with at Tuesday’s Council meeting which took place at the Tullamore Bowling Club.

The application, lodged by Geolyse on behalf of the owner of the buildings, has created much controversy within the Parkes community.

During a public exhibition period, council received 11 submissions - the majority of which opposed the demolition process.

However, the application ticked all the necessary boxes under Section 79C (1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

This meant council had no option but to approve the DA or risk thousands of dollars of ratepayers money in a possible court challenge.

In his report to council, Mr Steven Campbell (Director Planning and Environment) said a Statement of Environmental Effects had indicated the demolition of the buildings was required for the future construction of a car park to sustain the Coles/Target retail complex.

“It is important to note that a proposed car parking area does not form part of this application and a separate development application is required seeking consent to redevelop the site,’ Mr Campbell said

Mr Campbell said council staff had considered the matters fully and had come to the conclusion the DA should be approved.

“There is no guarantee what may come to council in regards to the future plans of the site, but we have tried to condition the report that some type of visual barrier be positioned once the buildings are removed.

“We certainly don’t want to be left with a gaping hole in the main street for a lengthy period,” Mr Campbell said.

Discussion at the meeting wasn’t so much a debate but a Q and A on the issue.

Following a question from Cr Kenny McGrath Mr Campbell confirmed council had no legal right to object to the demolition of the two buildings.

“A lot of people don’t know this; I wonder just how many people out there in the community fully understand where council’s legal obligations cease on the matter,” Cr McGrath said.

“Council gets all the blame on these types of issues when it’s not our fault.”

While there are those in the community who would like to see the buildings – particularly the Rural Bank – remain upright, Mr Campbell said it would be irresponsible of council to knock back the DA and then find itself in court.

Mayor Ken Keith said he was aware of some councils that make decisions knowing the Land and Environment Court will overturn it.

“That is not how we operate,” Cr Keith said.

“If the old Rural Bank was near the Court House or in any other heritage area, I might change my opinion.

“People have commented we should consider the building for use by the local art group.

“But it is a stand-alone building that requires a lot of work in what currently is an unattractive area.” 

Cr Michael Greenwood asked if Mr Campbell could clarify the heritage aspect of the report

“Part of Section 79C is to thoroughly investigate the heritage associated with any demolition proposal,” Mr Campbell said.

“In this particular case, there was not enough there for us to change our decision on the matter.”

Deputy Mayor, Cr Alan Ward, expressed disappointment in the developer for not lodging a DA for the car park and opting instead to publish an artist impression of ‘something they might do’ in the Champion Post.

“As councillors, we are in charge of overseeing the rules put in place,” Cr Ward said.

“We must respect the decision of our own staff.

“If this goes ahead, we need to make it clear to the applicant the need to seek council advice and work with our town planner.”

Mayor Keith replied that council’s decision was giving the developer permission to demolish the building.

“It’s a process to proceed,” Cr Keith said.

“That’s the reason there is no second part to this DA.”

Cr George Pratt said he hadn’t received any phone calls opposing the proposal.

“Even in the street, I have had very few people come up to me who are against the demolition of the two buildings,” Cr Pratt said.

“There is no heritage listing on the building which doesn’t even comply with the latest fire regulations. There’s not even a fire escape.

“Sometimes historical becomes hysterical you know!”

Cr Patrica Smith said she had read all the letters from residents expressing their thoughts on the issue.

“All were down to earth and honest but if we as a council don’t pass this DA, instead of two old buildings we will have four old buildings.

“Personally, I would like to see these two buildings go and progress to the next stage.

“The area looks atrocious and the old bank is very unsightly.

“I’m prepared to move the recommendation for the buildings to be demolished.”

Cr Pratt seconded the motion.

In answer to Cr Greenwood, Mr Campbell said no time frame was in place for the project.

General Manager Kent Boyd said there was no truth in regards to social media comments that council was behind the DA proposal.

“Our role has been to deal with the matter as presented to us.

“This application has ticked all the relevant boxes under the Act.

“Council will have the opportunity when the DA for the car park proposal comes back to us for engagement to take place,” Mr Boyd said.