UPDATE: Orange City Council has just voted against a $30 million housing development proposal, sending a formal refusal letter to developers on October 3, 2023. The plan, which aimed to construct 410 dwellings on Leeds Parade, included community amenities and open spaces but has been halted due to a mix of environmental and community concerns.
The MAAS Group, which proposed the development, claimed it would inject approximately $150 million into the local economy, providing what they called a “significant economic benefit for Orange.” MAAS Group’s general manager, John Grey, emphasized the need for such developments in light of a rapidly changing population and increasing demands for affordable housing.
During the council meeting on Tuesday night, Mayor Tony Mileto declared, “Approval would not be in the public interest,” citing environmental issues like vegetation preservation, inadequate drainage upgrades, and a lack of community amenities. The site has faced criticism for its potential visual impact on the Central Business District (CBD).
The council’s decision comes after receiving 36 submissions from local residents opposing the development. Councilor Kevin Duffy noted that while he supports new housing, the project’s density—proposed at a ratio of 21 dwellings per hectare—is inappropriate given the area’s limited public transport and community facilities.
Grey defended the proposal, stating the population density was “well above the minimum standard of 130 square meters.” Furthermore, he highlighted that the project had already secured approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) for bushfire safety considerations. However, council officials indicated that the concerns raised in the submissions were not adequately addressed.
Mileto further criticized the plan as an “overdevelopment” that would have “unacceptable social, environmental, and economic impacts on and beyond the site.” He remarked, “We welcome more housing in this city, but not at any cost.”
As the community grapples with the implications of this decision, the focus now shifts to potential alternatives for addressing housing shortages in Orange. The council’s rejection has sparked discussions on balancing development with environmental sustainability and community needs.
What happens next remains uncertain, but developers and residents alike will be watching closely for any further developments in this ongoing situation. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
