GLOUCESTER could have its first residential land release in more than a decade under a Midcoast Council rezoning proposal on public exhibition.
If approved, the Gloucester River Run plan would rezone a parcel of land to allow for 18.7 hectares of low-density housing with lots of a minimum 1000 square metres on The Bucketts Way South.
More than 70 hectares would remain as environmental management lands, while a portion would become an ecological buffer in Midcoast Council’s hands.
The land at the centre of the plan sits beside Gloucester Golf Course.
The planning proposal states that Gloucester will require another 3000 dwellings to reach its optimum population of between 8000 and 10,000 residents.
“Approximately 2300 of these dwellings will be required in the urban area, with the remainder located on rural residential or rural lifestyle lots near Gloucester,” the document states.
“Most of these dwellings will be located on greenfield sites.
Midcoast Council manager of strategic planning Roger Busby said the rezoning’s approval would give Gloucester “a variety of lot sizes and choice”.
“A proposed planning agreement accompanying the proposal will also ensure a 3.5 hectare part of the Gloucester River Run site will be transferred to the council as a public reserve, to ensure we can protect the significant biodiversity of the area,” Mr Busby said.
“A vegetation management plan will ensure that any vegetation removed is replaced to enhance natural habitat.”
The land to be donated to the council forms the site’s Bucketts Way frontage.
The plan is open for public comment until September 14. Submissions can be made by emailing council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au, online at Midcoast Council’s website or by mail to the council’s Gloucester offices.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
