Planning panel approves path to be cleared for 1700 homes at Gilead

Hundreds of houses may soon be coming to Gilead with the Campbelltown Local Planning Panel approving major earthworks on Lendlease’s 210ha site, despite community opposition.

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The path has been cleared for about 1700 homes with major earthworks on the first stage of Lendlease’s Gilead estate receiving the green light, despite resistance from a passionate group of local residents.

The removal of trees, dewatering of dams and bulk earthworks was unanimously approved on the 210ha Appin Rd site by the Campbelltown Local Planning Panel following a meeting on Wednesday.

The Gilead site.

A new condition has been added by the Panel which orders the developer to prepare a Dewatering Plan, including measures to ensure fauna inhabiting the dams are treated humanely and relocated before the construction begins.

The decision followed placards, posters and stuffed koalas packing into an overflowing Campbelltown Local Planning Panel meeting on Wednesday afternoon, with eight residents voicing their displeasure about Lendlease’s plans.

A 3D model of the Gilead development. Picture: Carmela Roche

The plight of the region’s unique koala colony, the site’s indigenous and colonial history were some of the issues raised to the panel of planning experts and community representatives.

A Lend Lease representative told the panel at Wednesday’s meeting the company understood there was community opposition.

“Lend Lease has a long and proud history in the region, through the development of Glen Alpine and Macarthur Square to name two,” he said.

“We certainly understand that there are some local concerns … and we have listened to those concerns.”