Permission for entertainment tent granted 'reluctantly'

ENVIRONMENT board members 'reluctantly' approved an application for Oatlands to keep a big wooden entertainment tent for the remainder of the summer at an open planning meeting yesterday morning.

The board sided with planners' recommendations that the Spiegel tent be allowed to stay on site until 30 September.

Nearby residents made objections at the meeting because they thought the tent was too close to properties, was an eyesore and would increase noise and traffic.

They said they were upset with the decision, but expected it.

The 1920s Belgian attraction, used for entertainment, functions and displays, has been up since May and its owner, Oatland Holdings Ltd, submitted a retrospective planning application.