Bassendean councillor labels laneway decision ‘unjust and unfair’

A BASSENDEAN councillor has labelled a decision that will see a resident paying up to $80,000 to build a laneway on Broadway as “unjust and unfair”.

Bassendean resident Balraj Hansra received a development approval for three group dwellings in 2014, with a condition of building a right-of-way laneway at the rear of the property that connected the driveways to Railway Parade.

At April 26’s council meeting, Mr Hansra requested the council allow him to construct part of the laneway on his property rather than the whole street and for council to develop a rights-of-way policy.

Council refused to modify the condition to give Mr Hansra appeal rights to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).

Councillor Gerry Pule said if his passed motion to develop a rights-of-way policy in July 2016 had been formed, Mr Hansra’s situation would not have occurred.

“I consider this to be one of the most unjust motions in my 10 years on council,” he said.

“To ask him to expend $50,000 to $80,000 with no come back and with other people to benefit, it is grossly unfair and unjust.”

Planning services manager Brian Reed said council staff would develop a policy in the coming year.

Mayor John Gangell said there was no alternate option other than for Mr Hansra to make an appeal to SAT.

Cr Paul Bridges said he was “embarrassed” by the decision as none of the councillors wanted to see Mr Hansra cover the entire cost.

Mr Hansra said he did not expect that he had to build a laneway for his street.

“Council should subsidise… council’s stance unfairly takes advantage of people like me,” he said.

“I find it fair and reasonable for us to develop part of the laneway.”

Mr Hansra said Main Roads WA had informed him the laneway was council’s responsibility.