Why council can't assess massive 1500-lot housing estate

THE Toowoomba Regional Council hasn’t made a decision on the approval of the massive Fernleigh housing estate in Westbrook, because it actually can’t.

Concept designs of the massive Fernleigh housing estate in Westbrook, which is still waiting on Toowoomba Regional Council approval. Picture: Hallmark Properties

THE Toowoomba Regional Council hasn't made a decision on the approval of the massive Fernleigh housing estate in Westbrook, because it actually can't.

Planning and development chair Cr Chris Tait said the 1500-lot development by Hallmark Properties couldn't be assessed by the council until it was ticked off by the State Government.

The comments come after development manager Geoff Kath confirmed it had submitted the application in July last year, and was carrying out its public notifications right now.

But Cr Tait said a few state departments needed to examine the project first.

Cr Chris Tait. Picture: Contributed

"It's on statutory public notification right now, and that will conclude in about a week or so," he said.

"The State Government needs to respond to the application before it formally enters our decision-making period.

"We can't start to make a decision until the State Government endorses it or issues their response."

The project, which will be rolled out across several stages once approved by the council, enjoyed a boost in August when the State Government expanded Westbrook's urban footprint in the South-East Queensland Regional Plan.

Cr Tait said the development might not be in front of the council until early next year.

"We have time limits on us after that, as to when we have to assess it," he said.

"We're also waiting on them to respond to say they've completed their statutory public notification."

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Originally published as Why council can't assess massive 1500-lot housing estate