Planned development sparks outrage

FIERY remarks were hurled from the public gallery as James Creek residents watched councillors debate the proposed development of lot 104 at James Creek Rd.

FIERY remarks were hurled from the public gallery as James Creek residents watched Clarence Valley councillors debate the proposed development of lot 104 at James Creek Rd.

The council agreed to rezone the lot from RU1 Primary Production to R1 General Residential and R3 Medium Density Residential, to the dismay of many onlookers.

"Shame" and "rubbish" were among the comments voiced by angry residents opposed to the development that is set to slice the lot into 400sqm blocks to accommodate up to 3000 people.

In one statement from a resident, submitted in January this year, the development proposal was described as an "urban ghetto-type development in a rural environment".

The council passed the motion to continue to support the proposed development at the ordinary meeting on Tuesday night, but councillors showed their concern about the planned private sewage treatment plant (STP).

A point was added to the motion that the council would show its strong objection to the STP concept to the Minister for Planning and Minister for Water.

"I don't like the idea of private infrastructure of this type; there are barbs in this we are not aware of," Mayor Richie Williamson said.

"There are too many warning signs flashing for my liking that we are exposed to here, possibly on a number of levels."

He said in regards to the overall development, it was the responsibility of the council to ensure future predicted population growth was catered for.

"We do have the obligation to ensure strategies for future land development is in place," Cr Williamson said.

"It will gain my support today, but acknowledging that issues will need to be addressed in the first stage, straight up."

Submissions by James Creek residents raised several issues including the environmental and agricultural impact, character of the town and installation of unwanted infrastructure.

Originally published as Planned development sparks outrage