$150m plan for housing at old Accolade winery and distribution centre approved by council
A $150 million plan to transform the historic Accolade winery into a housing estate will move forward after the Mayor used her casting vote to advance the plan.
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The Onkaparinga mayor has used her casting vote to advance a $150 million plan to transform a historic winery into a housing estate.
Councillors were divided on whether the Development Plan Amendment to change the site’s zoning to allow housing for the old Accolade Wines and Distribution Centre should move forward, following intense negotiations and community consultation.
Councillors pointed to the fact that residents have protested against developer Tarac’s proposal to build new homes, an employment zone and a community hub on the historic site on the corner of Reynell and Panalatinga roads.
Pioneer settler John Reynell started a vineyard on the land after arriving in South Australia
from Devon in 1838.
His vines produced South Australia’s first commercial wine in 1842.
Councillor Martin Bray said the site was “the beginning of the City of Onkaparinga” and that this plan did not come “anywhere near” what the community wanted for it.
Councillor Alayna de Graaf said it had the potential to be Old Reynella’s “Carrick Hill” if it was restored properly.
However, Councillor Bill Jamieson said the council had “pushed as far” as it could and did not want to end up in a legal stoush with Tarac, who purchased the land in 2016.
Councillor Heidi Greaves said “really good concessions” had been achieved.
“The additional allotment size is a win for (existing) residents and for potential buyers into the site,” Cr Greaves said.
Ultimately, councillors were tied on whether to advance the plan and send the amendment to Planning Minister Stephan Knoll for approval.
As a result, Mayor Erin Thompson had to split the vote and decided to support changing the 32ha site’s zoning to allow housing saying the council had listened to residents’ concerns.
Her decision follows months of negotiations between Onkaparinga Council and Tarac over its proposal.
The council has successfully restricted medium density development away from the existing homes.
The minimum allotment size has also been increased to 400sq m for housing on the southern and western boundaries and traffic and access improvements – including retaining Burgoyne Drive as the primary residential access – have been made.
Tarac has also agreed to include more than the required 12.5 per cent of green space by adding extra paths.
The Planning Minister may accept the Development Plan Amendment as submitted by the council or he may propose amendments.