The coronavirus may have brought the world to a halt but it hasn't stopped people planning construction and renovation projects across Orange.
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Orange City Council Planning and Development committee chair Cr Russell Turner said nearly 500 development applications had been lodged this financial year with a total value of about $125 million.
"The number of DAs approved since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in the months March, April and May was 140," he said.
"That's comparable with the previous three months of December, January and February when 90 DAs were approved."
Cr Turner said council was currently assessing about 100 DAs valued at $62 million.
"This figure is also very steady despite COVID-19," he said.
Many of the DAs relate to renovations and home upgrades.
Cr Turner said council planning staff were looking at the details of the federal government's 'Home Builder' scheme which will offer substantial incentives to encourage people to renovate.
"It's expected that could lead to a spike in DAs for renovations," he said.
Cr Turner said there were also several major projects in the pipeline.
"Once the new motel development on the Summer Centre site is formally lodged that's another $21 million," he said. "This really does show confidence in the economy of Orange on behalf of investors and consumers."
Cr Turner said other projects included a 62-room motel between Kite Street and Endsleigh Ave valued at $4.35 million.
"Staff have begun to assess a proposal for the aluminium extrusion plant on the former Electrolux site," he said.
"The DA is worth $5 million. It has potential to be a significant employer for Orange."
"The proposal is the construction of some 16,000 solar modules/panels to make a 5 megawatt electricity generator, with battery storage. The DA will be determined by the Western Regional Planning Panel," he said.
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