THE results of a survey to be used to inform the Draft Branxton Sub-Regional Land Use Strategy & Town Centre Masterpan are now available for viewing, and according to the respondents it is the areas rural views, along with being close to everything, that make it such an appealing place to live.
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However, they need a high school, more shops and more employment opportunities.
They also identified the loss of a village feel, the loss of rural landscape, and overdevelopment, as the biggest risks in the future.
The Branxton Sub-Regional Land Use Strategy (BSRLUS) is being prepared jointly by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council and will guide future development in the area.
Recently, the department indicated any decision regarding the controversial re-zoning of the two parcels of land either side of Dalwood Road should be consistent with BSRLUS.
And, have given the Singleton Council a further six months to consider the planning proposal which has been on the table for five years now.
One of the proponents, Branxton resident Carol George, says the length of time it has taken to assess the application for re-zoning is unacceptable.
Mrs George and her husband, Clyde, who own a portion of the land, are confused as to why the decision making process appears to have been stalled.
Especially considering the application was submitted before the strategy was conceived.
“I understand there were some valid objections by surrounding residents and that they had to be listened too but why has it been dragged out this long. It appears to be going around in circles,” she says.
“The stress and worry surrounding this is taking a toll on my health.”
Being inappropriately approached by those opposed to the project has not helped, she says.
Opposition to the re-zoning has been growing since council resolved “to request an extension of time from Planning NSW for a period of twelve months for the Dalwood Road Planning Proposal” at an ordinary meeting on March 16.
Even after a report prepared by council staff recommended “not to progress with the subject planning proposal”.
Then an extra ordinary meeting to discuss the proposal was called on Monday, July 6, which altered the resolution.
After this a rescission motion was put forward but, at the next ordinary meeting on July 20, this motion lapsed due to one of the signatories revealing a conflict of interest.
Branxton resident and business owner Peter Lavis is opposed to the re-zoning for two main reasons.
He says it clearly contradicts basic planning principles and there are
flooding issues.
“As you move away from the Branxton CBD with its high density housing, the blocks should get bigger,” he explains.
“The natural progression for this area should be R5 (large lot residential) as Dalwood Road is R2 (Low Density Residential), Broken Back Road is R5 as well as Preston Close.”
He says is it not appropriate to zone any of this area R1 (General Residential).
Mr Lavis and other concerned residents met with three councillors and two council officials on site on Thursday to discuss their concerns about flooding.
They believe the existing flood studies are out-of-date.
“Redhouse Creek runs through Site B and there are run-off issues with Site A,” he says.
Another extra ordinary meeting is scheduled for next Monday night to discuss the controversial proposal, although the department has made it clear what needs to be done in a letter dated July 14.
“It is considered that the six-month extension should provide sufficient time for council to assess the flood study, resolve agency objections, undertake additional community consultation, and ensure consistency with the Gateway conditions and the direction of the draft Branxton Sub-Regional Land Use Strategy,” the letter states.