A community information session regarding the latest planning proposal for the 185.3 hectare Jacaranda development in Glossodia will be held on Friday, March 12, at Glossodia Community Centre.
It will be held in two parts, starting with a drop-in session from 1pm to 4pm, followed by an information session with a question and answer component from 6pm to 8pm.
The session comes during the public display period, in which residents have their chance to make written submissions about the plan.
The 580 home Jacaranda development has been before Hawkesbury Council in various stages since 2011, receiving formal rezoning approval in 2014.
It spans across five lots in Spinks Road, and one each in James Street and Derby Place, Glossodia; one lot in Kurmond Road, Freemans Reach; and three lots in Kurmond Road, North Richmond.
A voluntary planning agreement detailing a contribution from the developer and pledge of supportive infrastructure works was signed off in 2017.
The new proposal was first tabled by applicant Celestino PTY LTD for owner EJC Glossodia Private LTD in 2018.
The size of the development and volume of housing on the site has not changed, nor have the proposed block sizes (1000, 2000 and 4000 square metres).
What is being sought, is a change to the ecological zones within the development.
"The planning proposal reconfigures the current R2 Low Density Residential, R5 Large Lot Residential, RE1 Public Recreation and SP2 infrastructure zoning of the subject site made under Hawkesbury Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Amendment No. 5) in December 2014," says council's report.
"The proposed amendments will provide the highest level of protection for parts of the subject site containing critically endangered species and endangered ecological communities by rezoning those areas to E2 Environmental Conservation whilst retaining a maximum yield of 580 lots."
A revised VPA is also on the table, which includes the same road and public infrastructure works, but allows for an increased contribution from $30,000 per lot to $40,000, taking the total developer contribution from $17.4 million to $23.2 million.
The planning proposal is available for viewing and comment on council's website hawkesburycouncil.com.au via the Have Your Say tab, or in person, between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday at council's administration building, 366 George Street, Windsor, until Sunday, March 28.
Supporting documents, such as the Draft Jacaranda Development Control Plan, the Biodiversity Certification Application and Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement are also included in the public exhibition.
Council is also hosting a survey at its site so residents can have their say on priorities for projects such as roadworks, community facilities, or improvements to parks and sporting fields this development would deliver. It can be completed at yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au
To make a submission, quote reference LEP001/18 Jacaranda. In writing, address the submission to the General manager, Hawkesbury City Council, PO Box 146, Windsor, NSW, 2756, or by email to council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au. Do so by Sunday, March 28.
Glossodia Community Centre is located at 162 Golden Valley Drive, Glossodia.
