Northern Regional Planning Panel opposition to proposed subdivision on James Creek Rd, James Creek

A decision has been made on the latest incarnation of plans to develop hundreds of homes on a long-contested north coast site. Find out what could be next for this vacant paddock

A long-standing battle between developers and a small north coast town has taken yet another turn after fresh plans to build hundreds of homes on a vacant paddock were rejected, but it may not be the end of the fight.

There was widespread joy among the small James Creek community — part way between Maclean and Yamba — on Thursday afternoon when a contentious $33 million development application was rejected.

Plans for the 33ha lot, on James Creek Rd, James Creek have been underway for over decades, with Clarence Valley Council recently rejecting two previous incarnations.

This site was first sold in 2005 and set to be rezoned for residential use in 2008.

Councillor Debrah Novak congratulated the community’s efforts.

But both a 2020 and 2022 application for the subdivision of the land were rejected, with previous incarnations running into trouble over their inability to address road upgrades, urban infrastructure and sewerage facilities.

The small community celebrated their win on Thursday night, with one local resident writing about her “tears relief” after hearing the decision.

But their celebrations could be short lived because the developer, Kahona No 1 Pty Ltd, has already raised plans for yet another crack at building hundreds of new homes on this empty paddock.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, before the decision was confirmed, Councillor Debrah Novak spoke to congratulate the “100 unique submissions” and petition about the development from the James Creek community.

“(I want to congratulate) their community action — raising their voices in a respectful manner,” she said.

“The way they have sought information, gathered information and really pulled together as a community … says a lot for that little community out there at James Creek.”

If the development was approved, the subdivision would have paved the way for 329 new homes, a community facility and four drainage reserves.

What Lot 104 on James Creek Rd, James Creek, currently looks like.

Back in 2021, Helen Robertson, the spokeswoman for James Creek Action Group, told The Daily Examiner residents were opposing the development due to a lack of adequate infrastructure needed to support the influx of people the proposal would bring.

“The closest shop is Townsend shop which is 6.3km away and the closest bus stop is on the western side of the Harwood Bridge,” she said.

“To get there, that requires walking up James Creek, either through snake-infested grass, or on the road, then walking across the exit off the motorway to the bus stop.”

Spokesman and resident Helen Robertson along with several other members of the James Creek Action Group back in 2021.

According to the 2020 James Creek Urban Growth Infrastructure Developers Contribution Plan, developers are required to contribute to major upgrades to the area, including road widening, an intersection upgrade at Yamba Road and James Creek Rd, and improving road accessibility during flood.

“However, these requirements for upgrades are not enforceable until 2030, 10 years down the track,” Ms Robertson said at the time.

“If you have a look at James Creek Rd itself, it’s narrow, there’s no line marking, no footpath, you have to walk over drains; so you can only imagine how dangerous it will be with kids trying to walk to school with hundreds more cars on there,” fellow resident Lori Brown added.

The proposed subdivision (pictured) of Lot 104 would pave the way for hundreds of new homes.

At the meeting, council voted unanimously for the Northern Regional Planning Panel to note the hundreds of submissions from residents objecting to the development and stated their concerns over the development.

These concerns were noted by the planning panel, who unanimously refused the development application on Thursday.

Their assessment found continuing issues with sewerage, stormwater, traffic management.

“We know (the lot) is going to be developed and we’re open to that, but we want to see it responsibly and sustainably developed,” Ms Brown said.

This sentiment was confirmed by the planning panel who noted the developer was open to further conversations with the council about how plans could be improved for further applications.