ASX-listed land lease operator Ingenia has held an information day for residents of Scotts Head, in northern NSW, about its new community planned for the area.
The community – which would comprise more than 200 prefabricated homes, plus amenities, on 16ha of bushland – has met with stiff opposition from locals, who have inundated Council with objections despite no development application having yet been filed.
News of the Area reports that Nambucca Valley Council will not be making public comments about the development before a DA is received, with Acting General Manager Robert Hunt saying Council must be properly informed first.
“Council will be undertaking extensive community consultation as part of the development assessment process once a DA has been submitted.
“There will be plenty of time for public meetings etc once a DA is received, we won’t be rushing this through given the community opposition.
“If Council makes public comments, expressing their views before a DA is received it could preclude a councillor or Council from the decision-making process,” he said.
Ingenia’s information day on Saturday 19 February aimed to address local concerns, said Kate Melrose, Ingenia’s General Manager Project Sales, who told The Weekly SOURCE that the event was widely promoted to ensure plenty of feedback.
“The input of everyone who attended was valued, represented a diverse range of views and will allow us to do the next round of work to reflect our commitment to good design and sustainability practices.
“We were also able to provide more information on elements of the project – including offering potential future residents the choice of approximately 250 architecturally designed homes.
“Subject to planning approval, these homes will be constructed on site, reflect our commitment to sustainability and be matched with external landscaping and green space also undertaken by respected design firms,” she said.
Ms Melrose also said land west of the site will be placed under a permanent conservation agreement, to protect local biodiversity.
“Ingenia will be continuing to engage with the community and seeking feedback from Traditional Owners.
“We will also be advancing a range of technical studies including biodiversity, traffic, water, sewage, bushfire, and visual and social impact assessments,” she said.
Ingenia will pay Council rates as landowner of the site.
