Cessnock City Councillors have resolved to lobby NSW Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts, to reverse an approval by the Department of Planning and Environment to allow allotments as small as 217m² at Huntlee.
The new township, which is located near Branxton, will eventually be home to 20,000 people.
The application by the developer of Huntlee to amend the approval to allow for a new housing lot type known as ‘Urban One’ was recently approved by the State Government, Council said in a statement.
An Urban One housing lot allows for smaller residential lots of between 217m² and 354m². The lots would accommodate compact dwelling types and will be located around the commercial centre and proposed school site at Huntlee.
Community engagement undertaken in regard to proposed changes to the Development Control Plan for Huntlee showed strong opposition to Urban One lots.
Cessnock City Mayor, Jay Suvaal said the local community had raised a number of valid concerns in regard to parking, traffic, and amenity.
“There are also concerns about the lack of access to educational facilities and healthcare and the impact this would have by allowing further intensification of development at Huntlee.
“As local people, we know what is best for our community and we will do everything within our power to urge the State Government to reverse this decision.
“I am encouraging the community to speak up on this one by writing to the Minister,” he said.
Mayor Suvaal said Council will also write to the Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, asking him to make representation to the Minister to have the decision overturned.
