Golden Grove could be home to 1500 more properties over the next 15 years

Around 15,000 new properties could be built in a traditionally rural land over the next 15 years if a rezoning application from two developers is approved.

Golden Grove would welcome nearly 4000 more residents over the next 15 years if an application opening the door to build 1500 new houses is endorsed by the local council.

Tea Tree Gully Council is considering a request from YAS Property and Villawood Properties to investigate rezoning 109 hectares of land to the east of Strachan Rd – which includes four local equestrian centres – from rural living to a master-planned neighbourhood zone.

The council supports, in principle, the proposal, which would create about $3m in extra rate revenue assuming every property pays $2000 annually, a staff report reveals.

However, it says a “significant percentage” would be used for ongoing maintenance of infrastructure and services.

In a letter from consultancy group URPS to the council, the proposal would “result in the consolidation of the built-up area of Golden Grove and deliver the orderly expansion of metropolitan Adelaide”.

“The land’s proximity to the built-up area also means that it is well serviced by established essential infrastructure,” the letter states.

About 1500 new homes would be built in the area labelled ‘Master Planned Neighbourhood Zone’, with a planned commercial/retail section in the smaller blue section. Picture: Tea Tree Gully Council

“The development of this area for residential purposes will likely bring with it considerable social and economic benefit, both during construction and in the longer term.”

The council also supports, in principle, a proposal to potentially rezone 53 and 99 Crouch Rd, Golden Grove, for commercial and retail use.

YAS Property and Villawood Properties met with elected members this month, presenting a self-funded, “high-level proposal” to rezone the land.

They have collectively secured an interest in 20 of the 24 properties proposed for rezoning.

Staff say there are some anticipated positive outcomes with an increased population, including the viability of existing and future local businesses.

However, Cr Lucas Jones, whose ward takes in Golden Grove, was concerned about the effect of having an extra 3000 residents in a “small residential area”.

“I am reserving my right to oppose the proposal once I have had a chance to consult with my community,” Cr Jones said.

“These types of large developments need appropriate infrastructure to be in place so that the existing residents of the settlement are not impacted by additional traffic congestion in the local area.”

He understood people moved to Golden Grove to live in a “semirural area”.

“(It) now might be at risk with the potential development … this is why it’s critical that existing residents are consulted,” he said.

“I do not want to see a situation where development is approved and the developer does not install the appropriate level of infrastructure to accommodate the additional 3000-plus residents.”

Golden Grove and Yatala Vale are the only locations within the council area zoned rural living – a zone noted for “spacious and secluded lifestyle within semirural natural environments”.

The area is a mix of detached houses, horse stables, grazing, horticulture and small-scale primary production and animal keeping, staff say.

The council will consider the application on July 27.