A housing developer’s last-minute request to postpone the decision on a proposed 410-home development was rejected by the Western Region Planning Panel (WRPP). This decision came shortly after the Orange City Council expressed its opposition to the Maas development, which is projected to be valued at over $30 million. The project, located at the intersection of Leeds Parade and Northern Distributor Road, faced scrutiny regarding its impact on the local community.
During the hearing held on September 2, 2023, Kristy Hodgkinson, the director of Hamptons Property Services, sought to defer the proposal’s approval until October. She cited “additional information” submitted to the WRPP just one day before the meeting. “Council concerns are unfounded … there are no valid reasons why the application should be refused,” Ms. Hodgkinson stated. She argued that a delay would allow both the applicant and the council to collaborate on potential solutions, ultimately enhancing housing diversity in the region.
The Orange City Council voiced concerns about the project, particularly regarding the size of the proposed housing blocks, which range from 225 sqm to 400 sqm, and the lack of public transport options in the area. In response to these issues, the developers presented a new proposition to provide a private bus service for residents of the gated community for at least two years. However, during the meeting, it was noted that the plans for this service had not yet been “fully refined.”
Challenges and Discussions Surrounding the Development
During the hearing, WRPP panel member Mel McDonell raised questions about whether the developers had engaged with Transport for NSW to explore the possibility of adding extra bus stops to accommodate the development site. Brad Draper, Maas’ projects and planning manager, confirmed that “no direct” communications had occurred between Maas and Transport for NSW regarding this matter.
After a 40-minute public meeting, the WRPP panel convened privately to discuss the application. Ultimately, they unanimously decided against approving the development, indicating a significant setback for the housing project.
This decision reflects ongoing tensions between developers and local councils, particularly in relation to infrastructure and community impact. As urban areas continue to grow, the balance between new housing developments and public transport solutions remains a critical issue for many councils across the region.
