Wollongong City Council will forward a planning proposal to the State Government to consider the potential rezoning land to allow 64 to 82 residential lots in the urban fringes of Farmborough Heights, Cordeaux Heights and Mt Kembla.

Applicants submitted a preliminary proposal to Council last year to rezone an area to make way for 248 new houses at the foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment.

Council went to the community with the proposal between February and April 2010 to collect preliminary feedback, and during the exhibition period received 150 submissions from residents.

Administrator Robert McGregor AM, said following consultation with the community, Council has looked closely at the rezoning proposal and agreed to forward a modified version to the State Government for their input.

“Looking at resident’s concerns and our own policies for land management in the escarpment, Council believes there is a potential to permit approximately 64 to 82 new residential lots in the area, a reduction from the 248 lot proposal put to Council by the landowners,” Mr McGregor said.

“Council Officers have also made a recommendation that before any rezoning proposal is formally put to the community for comment; additional studies are required to clarify issues such as bushfire, heritage, geotechnical and traffic risks.”

“Council Officers have carefully considered the preliminary proposal and the assessment undertaken by Council officers was peer reviewed by an independent planning consultant (AECOM) to ensure the proposals are consistent with the Illawarra Escarpment Strategic Management Plan,” he added. 

“The State Government’s Gateway Panel will now review Council Officer’s proposal before a formal rezoning proposal is prepared and placed on public exhibition.”

“This is a complex planning proposal with varied opinions within the community, especially between surrounding residents and landowners. Council will continue to consult with the community throughout every step of this process,” Administrator McGregor said.