AN affordable housing development will go ahead in Icely Road after it received the green light from Orange City Council.
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Councillors approved the $2.2 million development for 10 one and two-bedroom single-storey units on Tuesday night, despite resident concerns its narrow access driveway could cause traffic, noise, garbage collection and privacy problems.
Neighbour Shakuntala Solanki said developer Housing Plus had responded to several of her concerns so far, but she was still concerned about windows facing her property and a tree requiring removal in her yard.
“I didn’t sell my driveway, but I bear all the consequences of everyone else’s decisions,” she said.
“I realised something would be built there and I’m not against the proposal, but there are still some things that need to be addressed.”
She asked councillors for frosted glass on the windows facing her property and assistance with removing her tree.
However, no amendments were made to the recommendation.
A council spokesman said frosted glass would limit solar access and the resident would be able to negotiate with the developer on the tree’s removal.
Councillor Neil Jones was the only councillor to oppose the development.
He said six of the 10 units failed to feature four hours of solar access in 75 per cent of their living areas in winter.
“We should expect higher standards,” he said.
He also believed single garages for households with double incomes would create a “parking nightmare”.
According to the report, the units all met basic requirements for solar access and parking.
The properties will feature a 20 per cent rent discount on market value, reserved for those on lower incomes - the condition is a requirement between the federal government and developer Housing Plus for the next 40 years.
Tenants must be able to show an employment record for the past year and fit within set income thresholds for their marital status and number of children.
Single people with no children must earn between $46,000 and $57,000 a year to be eligible, while couples with two children must earn between $94,000 and $118,000.
