Clarenza urban development plan released for public consultation

Developers are eager to get going but first the community get to have their say about a major residential project 30 years in the making.

A concept drawing shows what Clarenza's commercial space could look like in future. Drawing: Deicke Richards

Clarenza’s sprawling, pastoral landscape is set to transform into a large residential hub to house more than 2000 people.

But before anyone can break ground, Clarence Valley Council is asking the community to share their views on a draft development control plan that aims to ensure every build is carefully thought out, right down to the type of landscaping.

According to the draft plan, up to 850 lots are anticipated to be created across about 94 hectares of undeveloped residential-zoned land to Grafton’s east.

News of this residential growth plan should come as no surprise to residents.

Clarenza was identified as a future urban release area back in the 1990s and rezoned for residential and business purposes in 2009. Further technical changes to the zoning were made in 2011.

Council meeting documents show two landowners control the main undeveloped areas, with Dougherty Bros owning about 35ha of the northern end and Austmark owning about 37ha to the south.

A further 15 smaller allotments, ranging from 1 – 2ha and existing dwellings are held by multiple landowners in the northeast portion of the urban release area.

The end goal is to create two well-designed villages connected by a major link road with integrated open space and housing that promotes social interaction.

Both villages will be complemented by business zones that are expected to provide retail, medical and health facilities.

Tree-lined avenue plantings are also part of the plan to not only enhance the look of each street but provide microclimate benefits.

However, according to the draft, developers would also need to contribute to the construction of significant infrastructure including the creation of the link road that will connect everything together.

Members of the community have until September 27 to make a submission on the draft development control plan.