Woolgoolga rezoning could create 120 homes next to Wiigulga Sports Complex

A prime piece of real estate is moving closer to development more than 30 years after it was purchased. It will be right next to the region’s newest piece of sporting infrastructure.

An extra 124 homes could be built right next to the new Wiigulga sports complex under a rezoning plan before council.

Coffs Harbour-based business Vadejil Pty Ltd is seeking Coffs Harbour City Council endorsement for the rezoning of Lot 202 Bark Hut Road, which would turn 16ha of agricultural land into large-lot residential.

Director Mika Sodhi bought the land in 1989 and said he was happy the subdivision was finally moving ahead.

Mr Sodhi said his company did not intend to develop the land themselves and would most likely leave that to developers.

According to the council documents, the land could hold about 124 lots suitable for low density housing.

Another portion of the same lot was rezoned in 2020 and could yield up to 82 lots.

A similar proposal was brought forward in 2019, however, the application wasn’t supported by the planning department due to biodiversity impacts on the western section of the land.

Lot 202 Bark Hut Road would be rezoned under a plan put forward by Vadejil Pty Ltd. The rezoning would pave the way for about 120 lots and is located right next to the Wiigulga Sports Complex. Picture: Tim Jarrett

While the application has been amended and the council staff are recommending it proceed, it is likely the project will take some time.

Despite the land sitting within the Woolgoolga North West Urban Investigation area, staff note there aren’t adequate planning controls in place to ensure “orderly development” of the release area.

Urban investigation areas are earmarked for future development and are designed to help structure long term growth of cities and towns.

Taking into account increased vehicles, pedestrian movements and the services required to facilitate orderly growth, staff recommend limiting development until appropriate planning controls can be written.

The issue of housing has been fraught in recent times with the council and state government at loggerheads over the cause of the housing squeeze.

The rapid decline in affordability to both buy and rent in regional areas has only intensified as the pandemic prompted many to seek a change in lifestyle on the Mid North Coast.