There were 65 development applications, including complying development certificates, approved in the local government area.

The number of development applications, and the value, are both significantly higher than in April 2017. During that month there were 52 applications approved by council with a combined estimated value of more than $10 million.

The figures for last month were given a boost thanks to the approval of a $6.957 million educational building, as well as a $7.7 million hotel. There were also three residential subdivisions with an estimated worth of $1.3 million.

The $7.7 million hotel work is at Club Dubbo. The plan includes “new indoor and outdoor gaming and TAB facilities and terrace areas” aimed at “maximising views over the Macquarie River and Central Business District to the east”.

Neighbours raised concerns about the increased noise levels from the extension. However, during the April meeting, council decided not to enforced double-glazed windows.

As part of the conditions of approval, a 1.8 metre noise wall will be built. The club will also need to monitor the sound levels of music, all external doors will be automatic closing and restrictions will be placed on the number of people on the terrace.

The largest number of applications for April were for single dwellings. There were 21 single dwellings approved as well as another application for multi-unit housing.

During April there were also 22 applications for garages or carports and six for swimming pools.

For the year to date there have been 133 applications for single dwellings approved in the local government area, in addition to the 38 for multi-unit housing. The multi-unit housing applications have comprised of a total of 63 units.

Overall, there have been 659 development applications approved from July 2017 to the end of April. It’s lower than the 707 during the same time period previously.