Monday 29 October, 2012
A 120-hectare site near Tamworth Regional Airport will become a business park following Tamworth Regional Council granting approval for the first stage of the development.
Hunter Land Holdings Pty Ltd lodged a development application for a subdivision to create 33 allotments (ranging in size from 1600 square metres to 1.9 hectares), roads, stormwater retention systems, reserves and a residue lot.
The proposal represents Stage 1 of the development with separate approvals to be obtained for subdivision of the residue lot to create future stages.
The application was referred to Council for determination at last Tuesday night's Ordinary Meeting after eight submissions received during the public exhibition period raised concerns in relation to the amenity of the area, stormwater management and traffic impacts.
Development consent was given subject to conditions which aim to address the concerns of residents, two of whom addressed councillors during the public consultation part of the meeting.
Councillors decided to seek a review of speed limits in the area and look at the need for establishing a school bus zone after hearing the residents speak. They also agreed the developer and Council should discuss the most suitable and earliest time during construction for the planting of a landscape buffer of mature trees.
Councillor James Treloar gained support from fellow councillors to delete a development condition requiring footpaths be constructed and to add a condition to provide a sewer service to the eastern side of the road. He said the new service would benefit residents and future developments.
The site of the development, bounded by New Winton Road and Country Road, has mainly been used for agricultural pursuits in the past.
A report tabled at the meeting said Hunter Land Holdings has identified that the site offers the potential for technology-based industries, which would interact with the airport, as well as providing space for larger scale industries such as warehousing which cannot by physically located in Tamworth's CBD. The site is also considered suitable for low intensity commercial uses which would provide for the day to day needs of the workforce.
'A variety of land uses are permissible in the zone; examples include light and high technology industries, storage premises, depots, offices, childcare centres and restaurants or cafés,' the report said. 'Separate development applications will be lodged for the assessment and determination of Council for development of the individual lots.'