RESIDENTIAL expansion in Lucknow is expected to start with landholders willing to develop, in the aftermath of a scoping study into a facelift for the village.
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Orange City Council conducted public consultation on the study in June, which boasted a village heart with a speciality retail precinct, enhanced landscaping, pedestrian pathways and parking along the main street, and a refurbished Wentworth Mine.
While most of the 14 public submissions agreed with the beautification measures, they were divided on expanded residential development, which could range from large lots with a minimum of 4000 square metres to compact lots of 300 square metres.
Several residents on Beaumar Road, some parts of Chapel Hill Lane and north of the Mitchell Highway were in favour, while other Chapel Hill Lane residents and those on Phoenix Mine Road were less convinced.
In the report to councillors, to be considered at tonight’s meeting, development services director David Waddell said staging the residential growth would form part of the masterplan to address infrastructure needs and sentiment.
“Combined with some reticence to see further infill on the southern side, [the northern] area may provide the best opportunity for growth in the village,” he said.
Chapel Hill Lane resident Daniel Taurins, who objected to potentially losing his rural views, believed the northeast site was a better solution, but he remained concerned about lot sizes.
“I wouldn’t want it any less than an acre,” he said.
“Dense housing is not in keeping with our village atmosphere.”
Forming the masterplan could carry its own challenges, with work on Wentworth mine dependent on the council either purchasing the site or financially assisting the owner.
Meanwhile, negotiations will need to occur with landowners along the highway for the beautification work.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au