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Owner will "limit" bookings if Orange farmstay DA is approved
April 24, 2024
By Peter Holmes
The man behind a proposed three-building, five-bedroom farmstay development on Canobolas Road says he will limit the number of bookings if the development application (DA) is approved.
A DA - which includes converting an aircraft hangar into two-bed accommodation - has been lodged with Orange City Council (OCC).
It seeks approval for farmstay accommodation, an office and farm buildings (machinery shed, shearing shed and hay shed).
Proposed works include:
1. Conversion of an existing farm building to farmstay accommodation (two bedrooms);
2. Conversion of an existing aircraft hangar to farmstay accommodation (two bedrooms);
3. Conversion of an existing farm building to farmstay accommodation (one bedroom);
4. Internal alterations to an existing farm building to provide an ancillary office and amenities;
5. Construction of three new farm buildings, comprising a barn-style shearing shed 18m x 10.8m (height of 8.3m to ridge); a hay shed 34m x 12m with skillion roof height of 5.7m; and a machinery shed 30m x 14m, with ridge height of 6.5m.
Concept development approval is also sought for a proposed dual occupancy (one additional dwelling) on the land - further development consent would be required for a detailed dual occupancy proposal.
The site is about 6km southwest of the Orange CBD and is primarily used for agricultural purposes.
According to the DA, "Farm Stay Building 1 was previously constructed as a farm building as exempt development … the building has not yet had a dedicated use”.
"Farm Stay Building 2" is an existing aircraft hangar. The proposed building will have alterations and additions to convert it to a two-bedroom farmstay accommodation, including a deck and pergola area on its northeastern side and additions that will allow for the installation of a bathroom and ensuite area, as well as a two bay carport and water tank on the western side of the building.
"Farm Stay Building 3" is an existing barn-style structure previously used for agricultural storage.
According to real estate searches, rooms in the house on the site are rented individually. One is listed at the moment for $250 per week.
The listing reads: “This stunning home is offered for FIFO or shared accommodation. There are 5 bedrooms in the main house available for lease individually. Weekly cleaning of the common areas will be included in the rent as well as utilities and internet … 6 or 12-month leases preferred. Shorter term leases can be negotiated at a higher rent.”
According to the DA: “The land owners have chosen to utilise and convert existing buildings on the site incorporating modest additions to those buildings for farmstay accommodation in order to renovate their appearance and bring them to their highest and best use.
“The renovation of the farm buildings maintains their overall scale and makes use of existing access driveways, internal farm tracks between these buildings.”
It says that “a minimal amount of the land area used for agricultural cropping will be reduced …”
The DA states that “the land owner/operator of the site Mr David Elliot confirms that through his own research that he anticipates that farm stay accommodation will operate with a 50% occupancy rate being utilised Thursday to Sunday”.
It says the owner “intends to limit the occupancy of each of the three farmstay buildings to two separate bookings for each farmstay accommodation building between Thursday and Sunday (weekly). This rate of occupancy allows for cleaning and maintenance of the accommodation”.
The owner’s intent is “to provide an enjoyable and memorable farmstay experience for his guests”.
The site contains a large farm dam adjacent to the western property boundary, and “neighbouring land-uses include intensive farming in the form of orchards adjoining the southern and part of the western allotment boundaries. Other adjoining land uses include cropping and residential land uses”.
According to realestate.com.au the 16-hectare property last sold in March 2021, for $1.4 million.
The application will be on public exhibition from April 24, 2024 to May 8, 2024. During this period, any person may make written submission on this development proposal to Orange City Council. The exhibition documents are available for viewing here.