A SOUTH Tamworth park has been reclassified to pave the way for potential developments in the future.
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The move to essentially rezone Hyman Park was supported unanimously but potential loss of green space was a concern for some locals and councillors.
The land opposite the principle area of the park between Kathleen Street and Hillvue Road was completely reclassified from a community space to operational.
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A public hearing into the proposal found some land should be saved to remain as community land, however the whole area was reclassified.
Mark Rodda spoke in favour of retaining and enhancing some of the green space on the block of land.
“Personally, I’d like to see something to enhance it like more trees or a footpath with some illumination,” he said.
“Currently, it can be a rat race for anti-social behaviour or used as access for people to drive into the rear of their properties, that’s not the intention of that park.”
Mayor Col Murray said Tuesday’s motion only related to reclassifying the land but he didn’t rule out retaining some park land.
“There will be capacity to consider component of future plans as they arise,” he said.
Council also voted to put a review of its engineering design guidelines for subdivisions and development out for public comment.
Russell Webb said it was important to get the word out to developers the document was on exhibition to ensure salient feedback was received.
Helen Tickle drew attention to guidelines which order at least one tree to be planted in each lot and footpaths to be at least 1.2 metres wide. She suggested there were instances around town where this wasn’t happening and questioned if it had been monitored.
Finally, the replacement for former planning director Peter Thompson was announced, with Brent McAlister from Lismore revealed as the successor about 11 months after Mr Thompson’s departure.