Holland Park, put forward by Highlands builder Garry Turland, is a multi-level apartment complex with a range of one, two and three-bedroom options.

The project is close to the heart of Mr Turland, who is also a Wingecarribee Shire councillor. One of the blocks to be developed has been in his family for about 60 years, the other for at least 35. “Mum owned the block closest to the park, I remember being there from about the age of 10,” he said.

Keeping that family link is a significant part of the project and its design, which includes an enclosed playground area for families of the building, as well as a shared vegetable and rain garden with a recycled water filtration system.

Mr Turland said his focus for the development was on energy efficiency and sustainable living. “We’re hoping to get a five or six star energy rating for the building, it’s really about investing in the future of the building and the Highlands,” he said.

The plans for the complex incorporate several energy efficient materials and technologies, including triple-glazed European glass windows and solar energy panels.

It’s not the first idea Mr Turland had for the site, which had originally been approved for a 72-room hotel in 2000. However, Mr Turland said to be financially viable, he would have needed approval for 100 rooms, which was not to be. He applied for a variation to the original 72-room approval with the hope of an additional 30 rooms, but after a council refusal and lost court case at the Land and Environment Court, Mr Turland had to reconsider.

The Holland Park residential development will be considered by the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).

Planning panels provide independent, merit-based decision making on significant developments in regional areas. They operate across NSW and can have input in planning proposals, rezoning reviews and can act as a relevant planning authority (RPA).

As the Holland Park development has a capital investment value (CIV) of $23 million , it will be referred to the JRPP for determination, as is the case with all regional development applications with a CIV of more than $20 million.

Due to his role as a councillor and to avoid any conflicts of interest, reports on the development have been prepared by independent, external, private planning consultants on behalf of council.

Mr Turland said it had been a long-term dream and goal to take the site to an exciting level with a big project.

“I’ve been working on this project, planning and developing the concept and designs for more than six years. A lot of thought and passion has gone into it,” he said.

Read more on the development on the JRPP website or visit council’s DA Tracker at http://datracking.wsc.nsw.gov.au/ and enter DA number 16/1079.