BREAKING: Orange City Council has just voted against a proposed $30 million housing development on Leeds Parade, sending a formal letter of refusal to developers. The decision, made during a council meeting on Tuesday night, could have significant economic implications for the region, as the development was projected to inject $150 million into the local economy.
The rejected proposal aimed to build 410 dwellings, complete with community amenities and open spaces. MAAS Group’s general manager, John Grey, emphasized the project’s potential benefits, describing it as “quite unique in a regional context” amidst a rapidly changing population with rising demands for affordable housing.
However, council officials raised serious concerns about the development’s viability. Key issues cited included inadequate public transport and community facilities, as well as the visual impact on the city’s landscape. Mayor Tony Mileto stated, “Approval would not be in the public interest,” highlighting the need for sustainable growth that considers social and environmental impacts.
The council’s decision reflects widespread opposition, with 36 submissions against the development noted. Council member Kevin Duffy acknowledged the need for new homes but criticized the density of the project, which proposed 21 dwellings per hectare in an area lacking essential infrastructure.
Despite receiving approval from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service for bushfire considerations, the proposal was deemed an “over development” by Mayor Mileto, who asserted that the council welcomes more housing but “not at any cost.”
As the community reacts to this decision, the future of housing in Orange remains uncertain. The council is expected to explore alternative development opportunities that align with public interest and sustainable growth principles.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
