THE north-western edge of Tamworth has been pegged for more residential growth in the coming years with councillors to vote on a somewhat divisive housing proposal.
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The 161-lot development slated for Moore Creek has already stoked some concerns in the community ranging from the loss of the "semi-rural character" of the area, to traffic congestion, as well as a perceived lack of services and utilities to accommodate the population growth.
However, the report to be voted on by councillors at Tuesday's meeting said the "proposed subdivision will not have a detrimental impact on the built or natural environments, or the social or economic fabric of the locality."
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An $8 million development application was lodged by the Tamworth Land Company more than a year ago to divvy-up the 29 hectare parcel of land between Browns Lane and Bournes Lane into 161 residential lots between 1000 and 2000 meters squared.
And it's a subdivision which comes with some history.
In 2016, the council voted to reduce the minimum lot size in the "Moore Creek Gardens" estate to 1000 metres squared.
"Consequently, the proposed development (161 lots) will cater for an additional 65 lots from a previous approval under a separate application which was for 96 lots," senior development assessment planner Emma Briggs wrote in her report to councillors.
It was a move which hasn't sat well with residents in the area.
"A common theme in submissions received by council during the exhibition period of the subject development application relate to the lack of community consultation during the planning proposal process and the impact of the smaller lot sizes on the existing semi-rural character of the area," the report said.
Despite the concerns which have been raised, the council report stated the area is zoned for residential use, not rural purposes and argued the shrunken lot size would allow for the establishment of landscaping and "increased setback of buildings which would assist in maintaining the existing character of the area."
"Given that the subject proposal is generally compliant with the relevant legislation and planning controls, it is considered that the positive determination of the proposal is in the wider public interest," the report to the council said.
The council will also vote on a proposal to develop a new childcare centre on East Street which could cater for 70 children.