The rezoning will release new greenfields land that will deliver new housing choice for the region.

Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director of Regions, Steve Murray, said the land release would help address the shortfall of supply in the area.

“The Department has rezoned part of the 124 hectares of land at Moss Vale from rural to low density residential which will deliver greater housing opportunities for the people of the Southern Highlands,” he said. 

“The site was strategically identified by council as an urban release area suitable for residential development and this land release will provide new homes, jobs and parks for the local community, once developed.”

But councillor Ian Scandrett said it was the “wrong site” after council had refused the development four times in the past five years.

Council publicly exhibited the proposal between October and November 2015 and received 90 submissions.

Mr Murray said the feedback, including traffic impacts, has been considered by the department and addressed through ongoing consultation with council and RMS. 

Additional road infrastructure will be put in place to provide access solutions.

A Development Control Plan will be prepared for the site before any development can occur and will include access arrangements and the provision of open space.