Council in brief

Dunorlan blackberry farm to expand

Costa Exchange Pty Ltd will invest $1.7m to expand blackberry production at 172 Bengeo Rd Dunorlan following council approval to increase the number of poly tunnels within 50m of the boundary.

Property manager Rohan Kite said the move would complete the first stage of a three-stage development.

‘We currently pay $3.7m in wages and salaries annually,’ he said.

No to axing Prospect trees

Meander Valley Council has refused permission to cut down all street trees in Cheltenham Way, Prospect Vale but will organise extra street cleaning in autumn.

A petition signed by 43 people asked for the trees to be cut down because falling leaves create a mess.

Councillor Susie Bower said the trees add value to the area, ‘whether the residents believe it or not’, Cllr Frank Nott said he would hate to see the trees removed.

House blocks for Westbury A 13 lot residential sub-division has been approved for land fronting William and Franklin Sts, Westbury.

Meander Valley Council approved sub-division of the 2.3 hectare block despite railway noise and minor flooding concerns.

New cafe in Mole Creek

A plan to convert the front of a house at 20 Pioneer Drive Mole Creek to a cafe has been approved by Meander Valley Council.

The business proposed by property owner Petra Mansfield, will be an 18-seat cafe with indoor and outdoor seating serving croissants, baguettes and light lunches.