Highfields community split on property owner’s proposal to subdivide large lot north of Toowoomba into three

A community north of Toowoomba is being divided by a proposal to cut a significant parcel of land into smaller lots. While some say it’s large enough to support the move, others say it will set a bad precedent. HAVE YOUR SAY.

A proposal to cut up a large residential lot north of Toowoomba has divided the local community, with detractors worried it will lead to “overdevelopment”.

Applicant Lennox Geoffrey Wildman lodged plans back in 2021 to subdivide a 6400sq m site on the corner of Cawdor and Kuhls roads in Highfields into three even lots.

According to the report by Precinct Urban Planning at the time, the proposal was consistent with the Toowoomba Regional Council’s planning scheme.

“The proposal involves building envelopes which are of a size that is consistent with the developable area of lots within other precincts of the low density residential zone to ensure that a dwelling house, ancillary structures and private open space area can be located within the building envelopes,” the report said.

With the application reaching the public notification stage, residents have lodged submissions both supporting and opposing it.

Those who were against the subdivision argued it would set a poor precedent for the area.

“I don’t believe 26 Cawdor Road should be developed into smaller lots – Highfields should be kept as the country feel with acreage, not developed into suburban blocks,” neighbour Roslyn Connolly wrote.

“The overdevelopment of the highly sought after large residential blocks in Highfields may set a precedent for developers to apply to create higher density dwellings in areas with large residential blocks,” Anne Wood added.

“Higher density housing should be restricted to new subdivisions.”

However, supporters believed the site was large enough to create two extra homes without compromising on the amenity of Highfields.

“It’s a big enough block for three very well sized blocks and family homes,” Sally Hurst wrote in her submission.

“This development will be suitable to Highfields and will surely increase the value of homes around it.”

“As it is on a busy intersection of Highfields, I feel the street appeal of a couple of new homes would do it justice and benefit our community providing two more homes in the current increasing housing crisis for our region,” Margaret Winks also wrote.

Public notification will end on February 9, 2023.