The Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director of Local and Regional Planning, Malcolm McDonald, has commented on the approval for the South Kaima rezoning to allow up to 450 new lots in the area between Saddleback Mountain Rd and Weir St [Minister approves South Kiama].

“As part of any growing region, including the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, councils need to provide a range of housing options,” says Mr McDonald.

“This vacant land is identified in Kiama Council’s planning strategies, being ideally located within the western boundary of the town, close to existing services, shops and schools.

“Independent expert advice found the proposal should be supported and could lead to much-needed and well-located housing for the region.”

The decision is a step in the process to allow homes to be built on-site.

“A development control plan will need to be prepared before a development application is submitted and assessed in consultation with the community,” says Mr McDonald.

“At that time, site-specific issues, such as impacts on traffic and the area’s character raised by the community would need to be addressed.

“The developer would also be expected to contribute to the cost of infrastructure development needed to support the new homes.”