Stevens Group has requested a review of its subdivision plan at 414 Old Maitland Rd, Mardi, following refusal by the Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
The revised development application (DA) has a reduced number of lots from 246 to 219 with 70 percent more than 1,800sqm and a minimum size of 900sqm, in keeping with the intended rural lifestyle character.
There were 22 reasons the Regional Panel refused the proposal in February, mainly about environmental matters and the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement.
The Panel wasn’t satisfied that the community-title subdivision was compatible with the rural and environmental character of the surrounding lands or the zoning of the site.
Also, there were concerns about flood impact, traffic, stormwater, water supply and sewage management.
The Panel said the DA failed to provide sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with relevant planning controls and it failed to adequately respond to matters raised in submissions.
Stevens Group has submitted 49 updated reports and a separate detailed document addressing all the reasons for refusal as part of the application for a Section 8.3 review under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
A vision for Old Mardi Farm subdivision – the Grand Ave entry and recreational spaces
There is an amended Statement of Environmental Effects which says that although there are fewer lots in the subdivision there is no change to the development footprint.
Known as Old Mardi Farm, it is the only residential land west of the M1 Motorway and comprises eight allotments collectively known as 414 Old Maitland Rd, Mardi.
The new housing subdivision is on about 58ha of the overall 223ha site with the remaining 75 percent set aside for environmental conservation.
It is proposed to build the new community in five stages with the first comprising 54 lots, the second 42, the third 53, the fourth 56 and 14 in stage five to complete the development with an estimated total population of 632.
A Vision Statement says it will set a new benchmark for contemporary country living combining extensive open space and green corridors in a laid-back lifestyle close to urban conveniences.
This proposal has been ongoing since 1999 when development was originally sought over the entire property including the ridgetops, side slopes and valley floor.
As investigations proceeded agreement was reached with various government departments including the Office of Environment and Heritage and the then Wyong Shire Council regarding the portion of the site to be developed.
As a consequence 49.55ha of the valley floor has been rezoned predominantly R5 large lot residential with a 9.21ha central green corridor zoned C3 environmental management and the remainder being C3 environmental conservation as well as a portion under Biodiversity Stewardship.
The area under Stewardship aims to provide long-term protection and conservation of the remnant forest on low to upper slopes surrounding grazed floodplain areas and about two kilometres of Deep Creek and its tributaries.
The revised development application (765/2021) can be viewed on Central Coast Council’s website and submissions close on Friday, December 16.
Sue Murray
Excellent. We desperately need more quality housing with environmental mindfulness on the Coast.