Council modifies zoning plan rules to alleviate Blackstone residents’ concerns

The proposed development by Tasland on 115 hectares at 12 Neptune Drive, Blackstone Heights was originally planned to include 650 residences. Image supplied

Sharon Webb

BLACKSTONE HEIGHTS residents’ concerns about a proposed Tasland development of 650 homes on Neptune Drive are mainly about traffic issues, loss of the character and visual amenity of Blackstone Heights, bushfire risk and the impact on wildlife.

Residents also questioned the capacity of utilities such as water, sewerage, stormwater and mobile phone access, as well as the availability of schools, public transport and medical facilities for a large population influx.

George and Amanda Pitt wrote that the traffic assessment was flawed, as data was collected at a non-school, holiday time of year.

‘With one road into Blackstone Heights, and taking into the account the proposed developments in Blackstone Heights and nearby (Federal Hotels), this traffic assessment is inadequate and will result in significant and widespread impacts on the residents of Blackstone Heights including potential loss of property values.’

Planner Jo Oliver’s response conceded, ‘Whilst the road network is capable of accommodating additional traffic loads ... it is clear that current and anticipated demand warrants more detailed investigation, planning and scheduling of improved linkages and interventions in the network, such as a connection to Mt Leslie Road and potentially through to Travellers Rest to the south, as well as roundabouts.’

Meander Valley Council will prepare a Traffic and Development Plan for a ‘tributary network’ as well as physical interventions such as roundabouts, junction improvements, traffic calming and pedestrian paths.

Ms Oliver said this will also alleviate issues of higher vehicle speeds and accessing properties along Casino Rise, and determine a construction timeline.

Responding to claims that the development would change the character of the area, Ms Oliver wrote that Tasland’s proposed clustering approach would actually complement Blackstone Heights’ character, compared to the current subdivision entitlement under the current planning scheme.

She pointed out that the land had been zoned for additional residential development for many years and that the current Glover Avenue area’s 30-home cluster is ‘distinctly suburban in appearance’.

‘Despite this higher density, the cluster is not conspicuous in the broader Blackstone Heights context due to the developed nature of the surrounding environment and topography.’

But Ms Oliver recommended dwelling numbers be reduced to 600, mandated building heights in certain locations and altered setbacks.

In response to residents’ concerns about the development’s potential impact on wildlife and habitat, the council has stipulated rules to limit native vegetation.

Ms Oliver pointed out, ‘With the development’s large swathe of green space, retention of the dam and open watercourse, the layout of the development provides a far better wildlife habitat and foraging arrangement than the standard subdivision arrangement.’

The council determined there was no need to modify the plan in response to bushfire concerns.

On utility adequacy, Ms Oliver said Taswater indicated that water supply is achievable and that sewers can be connected in the future. The development proposes treatment of sewage on the site.

Telstra and the NBN are planning for upgraded service through the new transmission tower at Zenith Court.

Responding to concerns about increased pressure on schools, public transport and medical facilities, Ms Oliver said decisions on educational facility investment are not made until the growth predictions are manifest. Populations must first achieve a certain catchment threshold through development.

‘Services such as public transport and medical facilities are driven by market demand, which means they are more likely to increase the level of service with a higher catchment population.’