An application to add extra lots to the sub-division of RAYWORTH has been rejected by MAITLAND City Council.
Residents in the area expressed outrage at the proposal made by HDB Town Planning and Design to increase the fifty-lot development to fifty-three.They claimed any additional lots would be incompatible with the character and amenity of their neighbourhood.
Maitland Councillor, Steve Proctor said the community's reaction was a major factor in Council's final decision.
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| Maitland Councillor Steve Proctor [Image: Maitland Mercury] |
"It's just not suitable, it's just not fitting and the community deserve better and that's the way 11 out of 12 councillors voted."
Councillor Bob Geoghegan was the sole councillor who supported the additional lots and claimed they complied with case laws.
Councillor Proctor says this was not a good enough reason to approve the application.
"Lots of things comply," he said. "What eleven out of the twelve councillors said was it was outside the amenity of that particular area.
"It would be acceptable in a high-density area like Aberglassyn or Windella but not in a semi-rural location."
According to Councillor Proctor, Council's final decision provided the fairest outcome for all involved.
"Maitland Council doesn't want to favour developers," he said. "We want everyone to have a fair go and in this case, I believe this outcome is the best for all.
"We're talking fifty lots. That's still a good size sub-division. Fifty-three would have overdone it.
"It would have spoiled what is otherwise a good sub-division."
