More housing is expected to be constructed in the Compton area and has officially received the support of Grant District Council.

An additional 67 allotments have been marked out on McKay and Crafter roads.

A report on the allotments came to the attention of elected members when they met for council’s monthly meeting.

Environmental Services director Leith McEvoy reported on a Land Management Agreement for the allotments.

He said Land Management Agreements had to be dealt with by resolution of council.

Mr McEvoy noted John Mason from Planning Chambers was the primary author of the report, acting on council’s behalf as the assessing Planning Officer for the land division application.

“On behalf of council, Planning Chambers working with Norman Waterhouse Lawyers appealed a Deemed Consent Notice to the Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court,” he said.

“In May 2022, Access Planning issued a Deemed Consent Notice on Council, which was available to them, given council’s short 20-day assessment time had lapsed.”

A 15-page Land Management Agreement document was made available at the meeting, while a 21-page supportive Stormwater Management Report prepared by Tonkins was also made available in council’s meeting agenda.

Mr McEvoy said finalisation of the agreement will enable council and the applicant to finalise consent orders and seek an approval from the ERD Court.

“The LMA will be registered on the parent title and then carried over to the new titles prior to their legal creation.

“It will apply to each private lot irrespective of whether the land is on-sold,” he said.

Leading up to the agreement a number of issues relating to the proposal were discussed, including bore water systems, stormwater discharge, post and wire boundary fences and access.

According to Mr McEvoy, the land division is considered a desired development and a good outcome for the council to support population growth and provide housing diversity.

“The division will provide connectivity to McKay Road and Crafter Road, and a reserve which is positioned centrally to potentially link with a future reserve developed,” he said.

The LMA is seen as the correct mechanism to use to prevent any further division from occurring and preventing further demand and upgrade of infrastructure.

Previously zoned residential, the allotments will be rezoned as Neighbourhood.

“The proposed division is for lots around 3500 square metres, which is more akin to a rural living type estate,” Mr McEvoy said.

“The applicant desired for there not to be an increase in the number of lots.”

Mr McEvoy said council was mindful the zone allowed for much smaller lots and what potential costs this could create if infrastructure required upgrades in the future.

Following discussion, council showed its support and endorsed entering into the agreement.