Rodney Stevens
A revised development application (DA) for a 336-lot subdivision at James Creek has been lodged and Clarence Valley Council are seeking public feedback on the proposed development.
The original DA for a 342-lot staged residential subdivision on James Creek Road, James Creek was lodged with council in November 2020.
In September 2022, a request from the James Creek Residents Group JCRG for an Independent Landscape Architect to research and report on the controversial subdivision was rejected by Clarence Valley Council CVC.
Submissions against the development received by CVC detailed concerns including effectiveness of heating /cooling for proposed building designs, the proposed density, small blocks, the impacts of a car dependent estate, and if the Development Control Plan for the site is appropriate.
On December 2, 2022, CVC requested more information from the developer, which resulted in an amended application being prepared, including a Land Use Conflict Risk Assessment LUCRA.
The LUCRA addresses concerns about consultation with adjoining landowners, the proposed buffer distance on the development, potential conflicts with stock yards, flooding, and stormwater issues.
Council has since received an amended DA on behalf of MPD Investments for a 336-lot subdivision comprising 329 residential lots, one commercial lot, four drainage reserves and associated public open space areas.
The land proposed for the development at lot 104 fronts James Creek Road on its eastern boundary, with Austons Lane bordering its southern boundary.
According to council, “The key change is an increase to the western buffer to 50m inclusive of a 25m wide vegetated buffer which has consequently amended the overall lot layout.”
“Amendments have also been made to the stormwater infrastructure in these locations, and other minor changes to the proposed development.”
CVC is the consent authority for this DA, but the Northern Regional Planning Panel will determine the application, due to it being a regionally significant proposal.
Due to the amendments in the DA, CVC is ensuring the community is aware of the proposed changes and inviting the public to make submissions or update previous submissions made.
Anyone wishing to make a submission about the DA is advised public submissions are not confidential.
The DA is being advertised by CVC from April 28, until 4pm on May 15, which is in addition to two previous advertising periods.
To make a submission, put SUB2021/0042 in your search engine and click on the make a submission button on the CVC website.