THE NSW Department of Industry’s $55 million future home at the former Orange base hospital site has received a lukewarm response from public submissions, with one saying it would provide from an economic boost and little else.
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Nevertheless, Orange City Council only moved to enter a submission on conditions proposed for footpaths and road renewal ahead of the Western Joint Regional Planning Panel meeting next month to approve or reject the plans.
Three residents entered submissions.
Lee Andrews said the car park took up the sunniest areas of the site, with gathering areas left in shade and the design did not relate to the heritage-listed ambulance station, nor other historic buildings in the CBD.
“The proposed development contributes little to the city other than an economic boost,” he said.
It would be fair to say the applicant wasn’t too pleased to have infrastructure conditions outside this development imposed on it.
- Acting general manager Ian Greenham
Dalton Street resident Ron Finch said the floor area demanded 450 parking spaces under the council’s planning guidelines.
“As street parking in my area is fully utilised, I would appreciate being able to meet with a planner familiar with the project to convince me that the planned 393 parking spaces will meet current and future requirements,” he said.
Councillor Stephen Nugent echoed the concerns and said the report by Keyland Consulting, contracted because the council owns the land, did not fully address them.
Councilllors were initially reluctant to make a submission to the JRPP in the interests of expediting the development, however acting general manager Ian Greenham advised it would protect ratepayers’ interests.
“It would be fair to say the applicant wasn’t too pleased to have infrastructure conditions outside this development imposed on it,” he said.
The submission will ask the JRPP to require the department to replace the footpaths on Dalton, Anson and Prince streets, resurface the road along Anson Street, install street lighting and pay contributions.
The council will also request the Anson Street entry be left-in, left-out only.
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Central West Water Alliance president Cyril Smith wanted to see water retention on site for use in toilets and in gardens.
“It will save Orange’s drinking water and may alleviate the need to go to higher water restrictions in future,” he said.
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