A CONTENTIOUS South Tamworth housing project will go before council for a third time, as a Land and Environment court showdown looms over the saga.
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The Ainslie Place development was nixed in April with councillors expressing concern about the intersection at Craigends Lane and Goonoo Goonoo Road and its ability to service the 21-unit complex.
Council officers have, once again, recommended the proposal goes ahead and suggested banning right-hand turns from Craigends Lane on to the highway to accommodate the development.
It would only be a temporary fix until the highway is upgraded to dual lanes.
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Council recently received a state grant to start detailed design and survey work for the duplication of the highway between Calala Lane and Jack Smyth Drive.
The suggested solution has come with the backing of the local traffic committee, despite some apprehension from the Roads and Maritime Service it might result in drivers doing u-turns in the middle of the block.
According to the council business papers, an appeal against the initial decision has been lodged with the Land and Environment Court.
“If council determine the application by the granting of development consent, the applicant may not proceed with the appeal lodged with the Land and Environment Court,” the report said.
Councillors also suggested the the 21-unit project would be “incompatible with the character of the local area” in its initial determination.
However, council officers “are satisfied the development will have a positive contribution to the neighbourhood”.
“It is recognised that the development is different to that of the surrounding area,” the report said.
“However, Council’s environmental planning instruments aim to provide residents with different forms of housing to suit different lifestyles and stages of life.”