Lennox 'ghetto' claims rejected

THE planner of a proposed 74-unit affordable housing development at Greenwood Grove at Lennox Head has rejected claims it will turn the area into a ghetto.

THE planner of a proposed 74-unit affordable housing development at Greenwood Grove at Lennox Head has rejected claims it will turn the area into a ghetto.

Town planner Steve Connelly, speaking on behalf of developer Chris Condon, said they would be architect-designed apartments suitable for teachers, nurses and police officers.

And he said not all of the units would be used under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Housing).

There would be up to 16 one-bedroom apartments, up to 40 two-bedroom apartments and up to 18 three-bedroom apartments on the 2.5-hectare site.

Each unit would have its own off-street car parking space.

“We have left more than 38 per cent of the land as green space,” Mr Connelly said.

“Affordable housing is vastly different to public housing. Those eligible for public housing would not meet affordable housing’s strict criteria.”

However, nearby residents have expressed serious concerns in their submissions on the project. While some have complained theunits will turn the area into a ‘ghetto’, others are worried about increased traffic, loss of rainforest and lack of public transport.

Letters of support for the application highlight the need for affordable housing.

A Facebook page has even been set up in favour of the planned development.

The website – which has more than 170 friends – urges people to write to Ballina Shire Council in favour of the application.

The exhibition period closes on July 23.

Originally published as Lennox 'ghetto' claims rejected