Colo Vale residents fear a proposed block of units would threaten the village’s character and “set a precedent” for the future.
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About 200 people filled Colo Vale Memorial Hall on Monday night to raise concerns about a seniors housing development earmarked for 2 Orchid Street.
Questions about how the housing development’s character would fit in with the village dominated the discussion at times.
Neighbours also flagged possible inadequate transport and medical facilities for new elderly residents, children’s safety with increased cars parked in the street and asked whether the development would be exclusively inhabited by over 55s.
According to the development application, some services and facilities such as a medical centres would accessible by bus to Bowral, Mittagong and Picton.
“Travel to all three towns are within 30 minutes travel time by car and 40 minutes travel time by bus,” the application states. “Community transport providers also service the Wingecarribee region... as well as other transport services such as railway stations and other public transport services.”
Other concerns raised included a reduction in privacy for neighbours, the density of the proposed development as well as insufficient drainage and parking.
Neighbour to the proposed development Jasmine Talbert said if approved, the development could pave the way for future projects.
“If we don’t act now this will set the precedent and there will be many more units being built,” she said.
Peter Gualtieri said he did not feel the proposed development was appropriate for Colo Vale.
“We feel strongly that to protect the village amenity Colo Vale should not be subject to these kinds of developments,” he said.
The proposed development is currently zoned under R2 low density residential. If the development is recommended for approval, the matter will come before council. Councillors will conduct a formal inspection of the site to assist with a submission.
If the development is refused, the developer can appeal the decision in the Land and Environment Court.
There were no representatives in attendance on behalf of the developer.
Visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/development/da-tracker and search for 19/0837 to read more about the proposal.
More to come.
