Dozens of new semi-rural properties could be built at the edge of Wollongong’s escarpment, with rezoning plans for farmland at the back of Farmborough Heights being considered by Wollongong City Council.
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A rezoning proposal to be debated on Monday, would make way for up to 30 large lots in the southern Wollongong suburb, off the western end of Farmborough Road.
If approved, a large parcel of land zoned as “rural landscape” would be rezoned to allow for environmental living.
Nine of the lots would be at least 5000 square metres and 21 blocks would have a land size of least 2000 square metres.
A large part of the land (7.8 hectares) would be zoned for conservation and re-vegetated to protect the environmental values of the site.
An interest bearing account with $370,000 would be set aside to fund the public reserves, which the council and Office of Environment and Heritage said would allow for better long term conservation of the important foothills area.
Additionally, the opportunity for recreational activities – including walking track which link to the Mount Kembla Ring Track – was seen as a positive outcome of the proposal.
Part of the subdivision would be located just inside the one kilometre buffer for Whytes Gully tip, the plans show.
The draft planning proposal was put out to exhibition in 2016, with 20 public submissions and feedback from five government agencies received.
A number of residents worried about vegetation clearing, loss of the escarpment’s beauty and the protection of the escarpment. Others supported the plan as they believed it would increase property values and not lead to overdevelopment.
Council staff have advised the planning proposal be finalised and sent to the NSW Planning department for sign off.
Councillors will consider the recommendation on Monday.