DEVELOPERS for the proposed three-storey University of New England Wright College block have responded to submissions from the public.
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The state significant development received nine comments from both the public and authorities like Armidale Regional Council, WaterNSW and the Environmental Protection Authority.
Submissions from the public highlighted concerns about the nearby koala population and how the 342 bed facility would impact the local rental market.
Developer City Plan Strategy and Development addressed the concerns in its response, but also asked that the developer contribution requested by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment [DPIE] be waived, given it was not required with the recent Robb College development approved by ARC.
There are a range of services and facilities that UNE offers to members of the public, City Plan executive director David Ryan outlined in his submissions.
"Several of these are offered free of charge and also result in positive economic, as well as social multiplier effects for the broader local and regional community," he said.
"In our view, these provisions warrant the application being exempt from developer contributions.
"Following consideration of the submissions, we are of the view that no major amendments are required to the design or operation of the proposal as originally submitted to DPIE.
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"Any necessary modifications are minor and can be accounted for as conditions of any consent."
That developer contribution will form part of the DPIE's decision, a spokeswoman said.
"The department is currently undertaking a thorough assessment of the proposed development, giving consideration to all issues raised in submissions and the applicant's response to submissions report before making a final decision on the project," she said.