$80 million Clifton Yamba DA denied by Northern Regional Planning Panel

Clarence Valley residents concerned about developments on flood-plains will be relieved that a controversial Yamba housing project has been denied and deemed ‘not in the public interest’.

The 'Clifton Yamba' proposed development for Carrs Drive, Yamba is a 216 dwelling, $80 million over 50s manufactured housing estate.

Clarence Valley residents concerned about developments on flood-plains will be relieved that a controversial Yamba housing project has been refused.

The Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) only took two days to make a “unanimous” decision to refuse ‘Clifton Yamba’, a 216-lot over 50s community on Carrs Dr stating the “development as proposed is not in the public interest”.

In it’s 25 October decision the NRPP cited flood behaviour, insufficient stormwater management and insufficient information on the source of additional fill for the site, among other reasons for its refusal.

The NRPP had received a request from the developer at its 23 October determination meeting to delay a decision to allow the developer to revise and resubmit their development application.

The ‘Clifton Yamba’ development application site plan for the planned over 50s village at 120 Carrs Drive Yamba.

The NRPP determination meeting was the subject of a mayoral motion at the new Clarence Valley Council’s first meeting on 17 October.

Newly elected Mayor Ray Smith sought to write to the NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully to seek a deferment of the NRPP meeting so council could be represented on the panel.

An artist’s impression for a 216 lot manufactured home estate at 120 Carrs Drive, Yamba, lodged with Clarence Valley Council in March 2024.

At the meeting, former mayor Peter Johnstone said that Clarence Valley Council (CVC) had already made clear to the NRPP it opposed the development application and raised concerns about urban design, stormwater flooding and biodiversity.

Councillors voted against the mayoral motion but noted council’s assessment report of the DA was before the panel.

The Yamba development is also the subject of court proceedings by the developer against CVC in the Land and Environment Court.

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