A development application for a $17 million 86-lot subdivision, shopping complex and tavern on Brooms Head Road at Gulmarrad is being assessed by Clarence Valley Council before councillors get their first chance to vote on it at an upcoming meeting.

In a correction to the previous story published in the October 11 edition of the CV Independent, this is the first time that DA 2020/0729 by Newton Denny Chapelle on behalf of Allycass Developments Pty Ltd is being considered for approval by Council.

The proposed development on the corner of Brooms Head Road and Sheehans Lane features a tavern with drive-through bottle shop, main bar, kitchen, dining area, sports bar, event room, and playground, adjacent to a supermarket with storage area.

An extensive carpark with 168 parking spaces fronts the tavern and supermarket, and sitting west of the carpark is a two-storey block containing five retail spaces on the bottom floor and an expansive area on the first floor for two tenancies.

The approximately 12.17-hectare site is dually zoned R1 General Residential and B1 Neighbourhood Centre under the Clarence Valley Local Environment Plan 2011.

The proposal is for the 86-lot subdivision comprising 82 residential lots, with parkland on lot 83, future residential development on lot 84 and the shopping complex and tavern on lot 85.

A stormwater attenuation basin and associated infrastructure is proposed to be constructed within a drainage reserve in the northwest of the site (lot 86) adjacent to Sheehans Lane.

A spokesperson for the proponent has welcomed the CV Independent’s correction to its previous story.

The spokesperson, Ed Munday, stated “DA2020/0729 was lodged for determination on 23/11/2020. It has been through rigorous assessment and refinements towards achieving positive housing, shopping and environmental outcomes for the Lower Clarence community.”

“The proposal is strategically positioned to establish Gulmarrad with a significant settlement centre with flood-free access to Maclean,” Mr Munday said.

“This will also benefit Maclean in future emergencies.

“The proposed shopping centre has been long anticipated by Council and Gulmarrad’s residents.

“The proponent now looks forward to Council’s approval of DA2020/0729 so that Gulmarrad can begin to transition more meaningfully for its established and emerging residents.”   

The CV Independent will report on Council’s vote on the DA when it comes before the future council meeting.