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Salamander Bay, Port Stephens housing estate plans panned

A Port Stephens tourist resort slated for a multimillion-dollar transformation has been touted as a solution to the area’s housing crisis – but nearby residents aren’t buying into the hype.

Proposal for a $33 million affordable housing estate at Salamander Bay - Fleet Street - aerial view Credit: Google Maps
Proposal for a $33 million affordable housing estate at Salamander Bay - Fleet Street - aerial view Credit: Google Maps

A multimillion-dollar redevelopment of an old Port Stephens resort has been touted as one solution to help address the ever-growing housing crisis in the region – but nearby residents aren’t buying into the hype.

The former Colonial Ridge Resort at Salamander Bay – once swelling with tourists but now vacant – has been earmarked for a $33 million housing development transformation.

Plans state the project will offer an affordable and cost-effective housing mix geared toward empty nesters looking to downsize, young home buyers and singles.

The Fleet St development application – currently on public exhibition with Port Stephens Council until later this month – could see the construction of 32 new two and three-storey townhouses and the redevelopment of 36 existing units.

The developers behind the project, known as the Wanda Beach Estate, say the development is “low-maintenance” and in a prime location in close proximity to shops and public transport.

But residents who live nearby who have fought off previous development applications for the site have panned the current plans, labelling them as “excessive”.

Proposal for a $33 million affordable housing estate at Salamander Bay - Fleet Street - which comprises of 32 new townhouses and refurbishment of 36 existing units. Credit: Perception Planning documents
Proposal for a $33 million affordable housing estate at Salamander Bay - Fleet Street - which comprises of 32 new townhouses and refurbishment of 36 existing units. Credit: Perception Planning documents

To date, eight submissions have been received opposing plans on the site.

With the exhibition period running over the holiday break, residents expressed concern the community consultation period was “ill-timed” and not long enough to determine a decision.

Many say the development should simply not go ahead.

“The current infrastructure does not support this amount of new inhabitants,” one resident wrote in a submission to council.

Others cited concerns over “rare endangered orchids”, overcrowding, privacy, traffic and noise pollution.

Architect drawings of the proposed development. Credit: Perception Planning documents
Architect drawings of the proposed development. Credit: Perception Planning documents
Images of what the development would look like when approved and built. Credit: Perception Planning documents
Images of what the development would look like when approved and built. Credit: Perception Planning documents

“(The proposal) presents as an overdevelopment project with far too many dwellings, including some larger in floor area, excessive height and design features and having a detrimental impact on aesthetics, housing diversity, privacy and anti-social interactions,” another resident wrote in a submission.

Planners have openly suggested the project would help ease the region’s housing crisis.

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson says housing affordability and demand is an issue in the region. Facebook
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson says housing affordability and demand is an issue in the region. Facebook

“It will directly improve housing affordability as it will ensure that prospective home buyers will not be forced into more expensive single dwellings, due to a lack of choice,” one planner said.

“The result is a compact, efficient use of land that provides for the immediate and future residential needs of the broader community, without sacrificing amenity.”

While Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson would not comment directly on the development, she noted council endorsed a housing strategy and supply plan last year to encourage a mix of housing be brought to the region to ensure affordability.

“Port Stephens is chock-a-block full of three, four and five bedroom homes but we’re looking at mixed developments as part of the strategy,” she said.

“We’ve got a lot of land constraints, a lot of people moving here and have a lot of properties that sit vacant.

“With rising homelessness concerns across Port Stephens, we’re no different to any other coastal town now because there is no affordable housing or affordable rentals.”

The Fleet St development proposal will be assessed by council before being lodged with the state planning panel for determination.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-newcastle-news/salamander-bay-port-stephens-housing-estate-plans-panned/news-story/d2fb1bb9293d68e4bda6fa0e23e02bcf