HOUSING Plus has settled on 26 units for its Forbes Road affordable housing development, but says it will fit well within the streetscape.
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The not-for-profit has submitted a development application to Orange City Council, worth $5.7 million, called Fairview.
Housing Plus project director Justin Cantello said the plans included a mix of one and two-bedroom dwellings across 12 duplexes and two standalone villas.
"Originally the planning advice we were given was 36 and then taking advice from neighbours and council, they wanted to retain as many trees as possible, reduce the density and take some dwellings off the boundary so they weren't close to the neighbours," he said.
Villas will be rated seven stars for energy efficiency and solar panels will keep electricity bills to near zero.
With neighbours concerned about the impact on the neighbourhood, Mr Cantello said Housing Plus had worked to ensure the view from the road matched the streetscape and emphasised the units would only cover 25 per cent of the site.
"The density [of the units next door] is 43 per cent," he said.
In response to concerns about traffic, Mr Cantello said a turning lane would be included along Forbes Road for vehicles turning right into the development.
He said the outdoor communal space would be completed in consultation with the residents and could include a barbecue area, a community garden or a bowls area.
"One of the issues associated with the over-55 singles is they suffer from isolation so we really want to provide a development that helps to increase relationships between the residents," he said.
Mr Cantello said half of the housing would be targeted at families with up to two children, with the other half for pensioners older than 55.
Applicants must be on the housing pathways register, which assesses vulnerability as well as rental history and bond return.
"It's becoming greater trend for over-55s single women - their partner has passed away and they have no super left to them," he said.
"They're at risk of homelessness, so that's the group we're really targeting."
He said only five per cent of the region's rentals were affordable for pensioners.
The plans can be viewed at Orange City Council and inquiries can be directed to developments@housingplus.com.au or 1800 603 300.
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