Nowra: Community’s mixed reactions on proposed Albatross Rd housing development

A NSW south coast community has voiced its objections for a major housing proposal, which could see a caravan park and more than 200 homes built in an undeveloped strip.

A look at the landscape plan for the Lifestyle Living Estate in Nowra Hill.

A NSW south coast community has expressed its disapproval for a high density housing and caravan park proposal pinned for an undeveloped strip.

The development – labelled a ‘Lifestyle Living Estate’ – has been proposed for 133 to 143 Albatross Rd, Nowra Hill.

The plans, submitted by Newcastle-based independent developer Wendy Todd, have been sitting with Shoalhaven Council since August 29, 2023.

The proposal – which includes construction of a caravan park, roads, landscaping and 205 houses – went on public exhibition in January, giving locals the chance to have their say with 64 opinions submitted.

Artist impression of the clubhouse.

Of the 64, 59 were against, three asked for clarification and only two were in support.

One of the many Nowra residents against the proposal is Melissa Van Luyt, who said she moved to the area to “get away” from high density housing estates.

An example of the types of houses proposed in the development.

“Our roads are over used as they are now, with 200 plus cars being projected to use this road that is not in adequate condition for the cars that are already using this daily,” she said.

Ms Van Luyt said, while she recognised there was a current housing shortage in the Shoalhaven, this proposal was not the appropriate way to ease it.

“Other adequate housing solutions should be looked at then offering a caravan or lifestyle like opportunity,” she said.

“I am strongly against.”

Nowra’s Colin Greenwood agreed, writing in his submission that the development “undermined” the reason why people moved to the area.

“The area of development hosts a local wallaby colony in the afternoons, which locals as well as tourists enjoy seeing,” he said.

“This is a very poor choice of location, and needs a lot more thought.”

Meanwhile, local Cathy Ireland said the development would be dangerous due to its one way in, one way out design.

“The development proposed for this area will only have one way in and out of the property onto Albatross Rd, which can be extremely busy at times causing chaos in an emergency,” she said. “For example, a bushfire, house fire, flood or other issues.”

Other criticisms included the development altering the area’s aesthetics, the landscape not supporting the development and noise pollution issues.

However, local Phillip Balding was one two in support of the development.

He said it was “needed” as it would address housing shortage issues plaguing the region.

“It is out in a paddock, minding its own business,” he said.

“It is low density, in line with the community’s desired character.”

Mr Balding said more housing would ease market prices.

“People need somewhere to live,” he said.

“Our shortages are directly causing price rises and cost of living pressure.”

Richard Farrugia was another local who supported the development.

“The proposal will provide opportunities for affordable housing in the area, by providing over 200 homes and introducing varied forms of housing into Nowra,” he said.

The plans

If approved by Shoalhaven Council, the 205 home ‘Lifestyle Living Estate’ and caravan park would be constructed on Albatross Rd.

Roads, sewage, electric works, landscaping and the homes themselves would be constructed as part of the development.

A clubhouse is also pinned to be constructed, giving residents amenities such as recreation rooms and more.

Public exhibition of the proposal ended on January 30 this year and council are expected to discuss the development at an upcoming meeting.

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