The Shire of Collie council granted approval for a motorcycle repair business to be run at a residential property at its latest council meeting, with debate surrounding whether it would create too much noise.
The shire had received an application from Mark Thomas to run the business from his Swanstone Street home, as well as one objection to the proposal.
Pauline Olney told the meeting she was concerned that the business would create an ‘excruciating’ level of noise that would affect the amenity of the area.
Councillor Brett King, who voted against the motion, agreed and said a motorcycle engine repair business would create too much noise for a residential area.
Councillor Joe Italiano also voted against the motion but said he was ‘reluctantly’ against it because a residential area was not the right place for the business.
However other councillors argued that the shire should be supporting the growth of new businesses in Collie.
Councillor Bec Woods said it was a focus of the shire and the council to ‘support economic development’ and allowing home businesses to operate should be encouraged.
She also said the business would be beneficial to the town as it would cater to the ‘heavy load of mechanical work’ in town.
Councillor Elysia Harverson also added that any noise created would be relatively similar to that already heard in residential areas.
Mr Thomas also spoke at the meeting and told the council that “the last thing I want to do is upset the neighbours”.
He said he had been running a similar business for more than 10 years in Kalgoorlie and had never had any noise complaints in that time.
He added that his shed, where the work would take place, was insulated against noise and any vehicles that would create excessive noise would be taken off-site for testing.
Ultimately the shire council voted to approve the proposal, with conditions imposed to limit the hours of operation.
