Councillors praised staff on the 1600-lot southern subdivision, which will also include a Leura-like village centre, bicycle paths and public open space.

“I think it’s going to be one of the most colourful and peaceful places to live,” councillor Ron Gander said.

The lots will range from 200 square metres to five acres, but councillor Scott Munro was concerned some landholders might want to develop their land into blocks larger or smaller than the plan dictated.

“I would like to think that anyone who comes in ... can actually get a bit of love from the council, in terms of what they might want,” he said.

“I would like to think that we can be flexible and bend where needed.”

Councillor Neil Jones said he looked forward to seeing what submissions came back, but the plan should not only satisfy current landholders.

“The very purpose of this is to overcome issues over the way different densities are developed,” he said.

“We have to send the message out that it has been thoroughly researched.”

STORY: LANDOWNERS COULD PAY A PRICE FOR NOT DEVELOPING

Orange City Council development services director David Waddell told councillors extensive consultation with landholders had already taken place.

“Most people have got something they didn’t have a year ago,” he said.

“We’ve tried to be as equitable as possible.”

Mr Waddell said larger numbers of smaller blocks did not necessarily mean a higher income.

“In fact, the bigger lots on the long boulevards can be very valuable,” he said.

The plan will come back to the council for final approval once public submissions have been assessed.

For more information on the subdivision, visit orange.nsw.gov.au.

Residents can post their comments to the General Manager, PO Box 35, Orange, 2800 or email council@orange.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions close at 5pm on June 9.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au