A DECISION is pending on a proposal to create 86 new properties at Lyndoch.

An application to subdivide an 8.45 hectare lot, at 65 Gods Hill Road, was presented to the Barossa Assessment Panel, earlier this month.

However, the application was deferred for consideration at a future meeting, following discussions between the panel’s presiding officer, council and the applicant – Andrew Davidson Pty Ltd and C N Scalzi Investments Pty Ltd.

The assessing officer’s recommendation had been to refuse the category 2 development, citing possible site contamination, a shortfall in open space and vegetative buffer zones, and road and access arrangements that did not meet council’s minimum standards, nor maintain visual amenity in the area.

“The applicant (through their consultant) has declined to undertake any soil testing investigations stating that: ‘No part of the development site has ever been used for potentially contaminating activities…’” the officer’s report states.

“Despite the investigation report… (also commissioned by the applicant) listing two locations on the site where fill was believed to have occurred and recommending that these locations be tested for contaminants when a future development application is lodged.

“Whilst the road connections, two of the stormwater retention basins and the central open space reserve have been included… the road layout and vegetated buffers, which are important as a means of minimising potential conflicts with primary production land or other non-residential activities, and which also seek suitable rural/township character outcomes, have not been included.”

Furthermore, the report claims the slope of the land would likely result in extensive cut, fill and retaining walls, potentially affecting solar access to some of the future homes.

Eighteen representations, raising concern with the proposed development, were submitted to the panel by the public.