Confirmed: Lords Place overhaul greenlit by Orange City Council

Orange City Council voted to approve the polarising plan 9-3 on Tuesday night, following an at-times-fiery debate.

Widened footpaths, outdoor dining areas, new trees, concrete furniture, and additional 'golden balls' will be installed.

The loss of 23 parking spaces proved highly contentious. A multi-story complex at the nearby Ophir carpark has been proposed to alleviate concerns.

Costs for the Lords Place project are estimated at about $1.4 million, comprising a $500,000 federal government grant and $900,000 in council funding.

The layout can be dismantled after 18 months if council decides it does not meet the needs of the community.

Frances Kinghorne, Jeff Whitton, and a fired-up Kevin Duffy voted against the design, all citing parking as their primary concern.

Councillors Floyd, Mallard, Peterson, Evans, Greenhalgh, Mileto, McDonell, Power, and Mayor Hamling voted in favour of the plan.

The decision was no sure thing, with five councillors telling the Central Western Daily they were still undecided 24-hours out from the critical vote.

Surveys by the Daily - and council's own community consultation program - reveal the design is highly divisive.

About 50 per cent of Orange residents do not want Lords Place to be altered. The street's 28 business owners are similarly split.

Proponents say it will establish a vibrant outdoor dining hub, prioritise pedestrians over cars, "beautify the city," and make the most of available government funding.

Opponents argue the design is likely to make parking significantly more difficult, congest traffic, compromise pedestrian safety, and increase the likelihood of vandalism.

"While the need to park out the front of your destination is seen as a common trait of Orange residents, it has not been readily possible for some time," council staff said.

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