A planning proposal that could see 95 new homes built in Crescent Head was endorsed by Kempsey Shire Council at Tuesday’s ordinary meeting of Council.
After consultation with the community and relevant government agencies, an amendment to the relevant local environment plan has been recommended that would see the site on Baker Drive, Crescent Head be rezoned.
Rezoning the area on Baker Drive would permit the creation of residential lots of a minimum size of 650 square metres to be used for the building of new homes.
The site at Baker Drive is an identified ‘urban investigation area’ and the last feasible area in Crescent Head where residential expansion can occur.
Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal, noting the that the development would bring much needed new housing to the area and represented the best chance to attract young families to the village.
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, noted the benefit the growth in Crescent Head could bring to the entire shire.
“Regional villages like Crescent Head are perfectly situated to attract young families in this age of remote working and sea changes,” said Cr Campbell.
Speaking to the motion at the meeting Councillor Baxter said “the possibility of getting more young families at Crescent Head is so important for the survival of the village business-wise, for its very soul. We need more young families out there.”
Robert Fish, Council’s Director Operations and Planning, said the development was in line with Council’s local planning documents, as well as the State Government’s North Coast Regional Plan.
“The site was first identified for consideration as a future potential urban land release area in 1997. Since that time multiple, detailed investigations have been carried out to determine its capability and future yield, balancing the need for new housing with protection of the local environment and maintaining the local character.”
“By rezoning one of the last available spots in Crescent Head we will assist in creating stock to meet the short-term land release needs of the village and support investment into the region.”
With the rezoning of the land now approved, the project will move into the development application phase which will include details of the subdivision.
The proposed indicative subdivision plan taken from the Baker Drive planning proposal
