Council has made submissions calling for changes to every one of seven new public housing developments in the city, approved under Housing NSW over-arching planning powers.

“We’re very supportive of government housing and we don’t have a problem with it being spread wisely across the city,” Mr Treloar told The Leader.

“What we do have a problem with is the ... overdevelopment of sites in clear breach of Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Planning regulations.”

General manager Glenn Inglis told The Leader TRC had received no indication any changes had been made in response to submissions which varied from minor issues to requests for major change.

Mr Inglis said another planned development on White St was originally approved by Housing NSW, but withdrawn indefinitely due to pressure from TRC, the community and Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.

“There were truly significant issues with the White St site and the council, Mr Draper and a well organised group of East Tamworth residents made strong representation directly to the Minister,” Mr Inglis said.

“While the White St development is now under review, there is nothing to stop it being put forward by Housing NSW again.

“The Minister was quite clear – he told us ‘this isn’t dead and buried’.”

“Council had a range of issues with each development, ranging from the lack of car parks to density and privacy issues,” Mr Inglis said.

“In some cases they are just wanting to jam too much onto the site. These are two-storey developments, some with external staircases and surrounded by single storey dwellings.

Minister David Borger, visiting Tamworth on Friday, said he wasn’t appraised of the specifics of the Tamworth developments, so could not comment on any changes in response to submissions.

In response to The Leader’s queries however, Mr Borger said he would look into the Petra Ave site where plans show three car parks for 18 units.