The development includes 57 buildings, a mixed use village centre, and public open space, on the coast of Reef Drive, west of Wallcliffe Road.

Cr Brian Middleton noted the “long chequered history” of the development, but said “our job is to judge it on planning merits, not to revisit history”.

“It’s not going to change anything,” he said.

“(But) we should contemplate asking for a second access road.

“I’m happy to support the officer’s recommendation with conditions.”

Cr Rosemary Taylor said she would have preferred no development west of Wallcliffe, but when something was approved by the Supreme Court and Western Australian Planning Commission, it would be too costly and probably pointless to pursue it.

“Obviously the proponent wants to get on side and do something acceptable,” she said.

“I’m pleased to see a foreshore management plan, and also public toilets down there.”

Cr Lyn Serventy spoke on the long history of the proposal, to the point where shire president Steve Harrison interrupted and said she was well past the time limit.

Speaking against the motion, Cr Serventy said it was a valued area, and had brought in more submissions “than any other single issues in our shire from 1990 to now”.

She spoke of the largely unspoiled area, its protected bay, social value, rich biodiversity, and extreme fire risk.

“We’re probably losing species that haven’t even been identified,” she said.

WA’s lack of third party appeal rights also restrained opposition, she said, and there had been lack of chance for comment on the structure plan.

Cr Jenny McGregor concurred with Cr Taylor, saying hundreds of thousands of dollars had been spent on the issue to no avail.

“If I had my way there’d be nothing down there,” she said.

“(But) it complies.

“Ask a general person in the street and they will say it has been a waste of time and money and resources for years.