Councillors will consider a proposal for four two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit on the corner of Elizabeth and Moad streets at a meeting tonight.

In a report to councillors, staff described the development as unique to Orange because the part-underground parking would create a two-storey building from the northern side, which had the potential to “unreasonably” detract from the area.

“This results in potential privacy issues, increases the bulk of the built form and results in a development that is not consistent with the character of area,” the report said.

The majority of surrounding housing is single-storey.

“Given the extensive deficiencies identified with the design of the development, council would have sufficient grounds to refuse the development,” the report said.

The report also said louvers would need to be applied to north-facing windows to protect neighbours’ privacy. 

While the development is yet to be determined, sustainable development committee chair Jeff Whitton said future development, including the likes of Shiralee and the former hospital site, was unlikely to follow similar design.

“This proposal was specifically designed by the developer to target a particular revenue stream, probably for people on lower incomes,” he said.

“That wouldn’t be the case at the old hospital, which would be more designed for small backyards - what you’ll see is the normal style, not three storeys, more of a village-style landscape.” 

He said the council had a responsibility to facilitate liveable spaces for all demographics.

“People want to live close to the CBD and we’re trying to bring to Orange that cosmopolitan style of living where they’ve got everything they need within walking distance,” he said.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au