Earl family farm up for potential tourism development in Cowaramup

Councillor and former Shire president Ian Earl will have a chance to rezone land his family owns off Peake Street in Cowaramup. The rezoning allows for tourism development on a portion of the overall 11.39ha site at 30 Peake Street, which is bordered by Memorial Drive in the south and slated for a future housing subdivision. The Shire rezoning requires endorsement by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti based on advice from the WA Planning Commission. The majority of the holding is zoned general agriculture, but the portion to be rezoned to tourism connects with Miamup Road and runs as a 2070sqm corridor east to neighbouring properties off O’Brien Street. The site is within 100 metres of the Cowaramup town centre and adjoins Pioneer Park at the south-east corner. “The site is one of several urban growth areas identified in Cowaramup,” the officer’s report said. “The property immediately to the south of the proposed amendment area is zoned tourism and contains a chalet.” Cr Earl said his older brother Allan Earl was considering development or sale options on the rezoned section. “He might put a chalet on it, rent it some of the time and stay in it some of the time,” he said. “It’s a piece of the original (Earl) farm.” The rezoning permits two chalets and house on the land. “It should be noted that the general nature of the rezoning does not commit the proponent to any particular land use and a variety of different land uses could be pursued within the parameters of the tourism zone,” officers also said. But the Shire warned bushfire safety, setbacks, landscaping and services would need a closer look if developed. Any development of the site would require a separate application. No residents made a submission during WAPC’s 60-day advertisement. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council approval was passed last month, with Cr Earl declaring a conflict of interest.