Council Refuses Frost Fan Development Over Noise Concerns

Published on 31 October 2025

Council has refused a development application to install seven frost control fans at 169 Whitton Road, Leeton. The decision was made at the October Ordinary Council Meeting.

The proposal was not progressed because the applicant declined to provide additional information about potential cumulative noise impacts from operating the seven new fans alongside 26 existing fans in the area. The site is within a primary production zone where agricultural use is encouraged, but environmental impacts must be carefully managed, especially as there was an objection to the development.

“Frost fans play an important role in protecting crops from frost damage,” said Francois Van Der Berg, Manager Planning, Building & Health.

“However, Council must also legally ensure their operation does not result in unreasonable noise impacts or cumulative environmental effects.

“The applicant has not provided essential information needed to assess these potential impacts.

“Without this information, Council could not be satisfied that the development would avoid unacceptable noise impacts and therefore had no option but to refuse the application. It was encouraging, however, to hear during the Meeting that both the applicant and the objector expressed a willingness to work together, with Council’s support, to find a mutually acceptable solution.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

Francois Van Der Berg
Manager Planning, Building & Health
T. (02) 6953 0911
E. francoisv@leeton.nsw.gov.au