The future of a parcel of western Newcastle bushland at the centre of one of the state's longest running rezoning battles now rests with the State Government's planners.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) paved the way for 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher to be assessed under the State Government's Gateway rezoning process earlier this week.
The 26-hectare area of bushland was first identified as being potentially suitable for housing in the early 2000s. But it has since become a battlefront between those seeking to preserve the region's biodiversity and those pushing to open up more land for housing.
Newcastle councillors rejected a recommendation from council officers late last year to allow a subdivision application for the site to proceed. It was the fourth rejection of an application to rezone the land since 2012.
The council instead voted to maintain the existing zoning as E4 Environmental Living.
The council also wrote to Environment Minister Matt Kean requesting that he consider including it into the National Parks estate.
But the land's owner Kingston 505 Minmi Road Pty Ltd instead pushed for its application to be determined by the gateway process.
Company director Peter Durbin said the JRPP's decision was a positive development but acknowledged the process was far from over.
"Our view is we should be providing housing that is affordable for our kids and we want to contribute to land that can be used for housing in Newcastle," he said.
"The parcel of land is already surrounded by housing. We are dedicating a significant portion of our land to conservation."
READ MORE:
- Peter Durbin and Stephen Barr speak out over 505 Minmi Road Fletcher rezoning proposal, before Joint Regional Planning Panel
- 505 Minmi Road rezoning proposal to go before Joint Regional Planning Panel after Newcastle Council knock back
- Joint Regional Planning Panel blocks rezoning of green link site at 505 Minmi Road Fletcher
A previous Gateway assessment of the project was rejected. It is likely the latest assessment will take at least 12 months.
Newcastle Deputy Mayor Declan Clausen described the JRPP decision as exceptionally disappointing.
"While the JRPP's decision acknowledges that they did not endorse the developer's subdivision plans on numerous grounds (specifically noting that they didn't endorse the proposed lot layout and location, lot sizes and subdivision layout), they believed that it had 'merit' and could still proceed to the next stage in the NSW Government Gateway rezoning process," he said.
"This site has significant environmental value as part of the Green Corridor, which is reflected in its current environmental conservation zoning. This status is recognised by local residents, conservation groups, and by the elected council."
Green Corridor Coalition spokesman Brian Purdue said a report supporting the site's rezoning "had so many errors in it that it was unbelievable".
IN THE NEWS:
- Anthony Albanese captain's pick Daniel Repacholi tells Labor members: 'I am not a misogynistic prick'
- New clinical trial to test two drugs to fight aggressive brain cancer in children
- Hunter COVID-19 cases spreading in social, family and workplace settings
- Hunter coal exports under threat from Chinese Government's shift from away from offshore coal projects
- Woman charged with alleged attempted murder of child on Central Coast
- Hunter New England Health stops listing low-risk COVID-19 exposure sites
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News