A 630 hectare site in Wallalong has been earmarked for 3500 homes.
PLANS on how a 630 hectare site in Wallalong could be transformed to accommodate 3500 homes and become the Port’s next residential boom town were presented to residents last week.
The Wallalong community was shown a 20-year vision for the area by the McCloy Group on August 4 which included about 3500 dwellings, retail stores and recreation opportunities such as parks, playgrounds and playing fields. It is the same site, south west and north of the High Street and Woodville Road intersection, that was first earmarked for residential development in the council’s Port Stephens Settlement Strategy.
And it is now being considered by the state government as part of the department of planning’s review of potential housing. McCloy group managing director Brian Swaine said the information day was about listening to the community and gathering feedback which could also be used for the company’s rezoning proposal which is expected to be lodged with the council in about a month.
He said while some were concerned about the loss of rural atmosphere the majority of it would be maintained.
‘‘Over the life of the development the rural amenity would be managed through appropriate planning patterns and best practice design principles,’’ he said.
Although still in what Mr Swaine described as the early stages the McCloy group hoped to begin initial construction, subject to rezoning and planning approvals, within two-to-three years from now. When asked how the project would roll out and how many homes would be included in stage one Mr Swain said it was ‘‘too early to say’’ but more would be known once the rezoning application was submitted and approved. The McCloy group is one of a number of owners of land within the 630 hectare site which are now called the Wallalong Landowners Group.