Rezoning allows for future residential site at Crescent Head

The planning proposal could see 95 new homes built in Crescent Head.

The plan for a residential subdivision at this site has a long history and was originally proposed in 1997, however it was not put on public exhibition until January last year. In response to public and State agency submissions received through the exhibition process, the planning proposal was amended.

A history of the planning proposal, the outcome of the public exhibition and proposed amendments to the planning proposal was presented to council's Ordinary Meeting on September 15, 2020.

The amended plans were placed on exhibition from September 22 to October 20, 2020.

The plans are indicative of the future subdivision to be sought and convey no further development rights beyond the amendments made to the KLEP.

Rezoning the area on Baker Drive would permit the creation of residential lots of a minimum size of 650 square metres to be used for the building of new homes.

The site at Baker Drive is an identified 'urban investigation area' and the last feasible area in Crescent Head where residential expansion can occur.

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal, noting the that the development would bring much needed new housing to the area and represented the best chance to attract young families to the village.

Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, noted the benefit the growth in Crescent Head could bring to the entire shire.

"Regional villages like Crescent Head are perfectly situated to attract young families in this age of remote working and sea changes," said Cr Campbell.

Director Operations and Planning Robert Fish said the development was in line with council's local planning documents, as well as the State Government's North Coast Regional Plan.

"The site was first identified for consideration as a future potential urban land release area in 1997. Since that time multiple, detailed investigations have been carried out to determine its capability and future yield, balancing the need for new housing with protection of the local environment and maintaining the local character," he said.

"By rezoning one of the last available spots in Crescent Head we will assist in creating stock to meet the short-term land release needs of the village and support investment into the region."

Councillor Mark Baxter spoke for the recommendation at the November meeting and said the future residential site will help fill a gap in housing availability in Crescent Head.

"Getting young families to move to Crescent Head is what we need in the village," he said.

"This is a step closer to allowing more people to move to the area.

"There is a demand for housing in the village and hopefully the increase of supply will help lower the price of houses in the town."

Councillor Dean Saul agreed and said this needs to be put in motion.

"It's wonderful to see, we must grow here in the Macleay and we need to get this moving for the future," he said.

With the rezoning of the land now approved, the project will move into the development application phase which will include details of the subdivision.