Willoughby Council recently agreed to ‘not oppose’ a proposal by Meriton to increase the size of previously approved buildings of 32 & 29 storeys to 37 & 47 storeys. The week before Council had moved to refuse the application. Why the change of heart? Meriton came back with an offer of $12 million Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA).
The issue was raised as to whether this constituted a Conflict of Interest for Councillors. Council’s General Manager said it did not.
Dealing a VPA is difficult for a Councillor Usually you are being asked to approve an application that is in excess of the regulations.
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