RESIDENTS are furious that public submissions will conclude on December 19 for a major Ebbw Vale housing development despite the developer still having failed to submit key documents regarding his proposal.
Queensland Property Group developer George Cheihk wants to build 387 residences, with one commercial lot, one park lot and five other lots for drainage and open space at the old Claypave Site at 21 & 21A Whitwood Road and 31 Railway Street.
The development application on 50ha of land proposes a commercial centre and other as yet unconfirmed uses.
Queensland Property Group has until February 25, 2025, to provide the council with the answers it had demanded in full prior to the commencement of public notification.
Residents have said they are now forced to make submissions without vital information.
They fear the development would impact local roads, traffic, stormwater management, wildlife, amenity, and public transport.
“Because this development involved a transitional progressive rehabilitation and closure plans, community consultation was not a requirement,” community environmental advocate Terry Winston said.
“However, according to documents, the applicant claims there was community consultation with directly and indirectly affected landholders.
“There are no dates or names given from these ‘so called’ conversations.
“The applicant has summarised the entirety of Ebbw Vale residents’ concerns in five words: ‘dust, noise and clearing impacts.’
“This development application highlights several inadequacies, flaws and failings within various state departments’ legislation and requirements.
“The community was not consulted about the progressive rehabilitation and closure plan schedules, the need for fauna spotter catchers onsite during tree-clearing, environmental nuisance from excessive dust impacts after the extensive earthworks and has not been provided with important documents as part of the public notification process.
“Planning Act Legislation requires immediate review addressing the nomination of the public notification and submission phase of impact assessable developments, as is the case for this DA.
“I feel that the proponent has taken advantage of the process by prematurely calling for this stage of the application.
“Council had specifically asked for the submission of further information regarding 15 major issues from the proponent, however the developer has disregarded this request, and gone ahead with the public submission phase.
“This tactic restricts the ability of the public to fully understand the development’s potential impacts (such as traffic, stability due to previous mining activities, and infrastructure), and in turn prevents the public from making fully informed submissions.
“Their timing has also been noted – the busiest period of the year for the majority of the public, with the submission closing date one week before Christmas.
“We want to make the public aware of matters of concern like building on old mining land, and the effects on air quality and traffic and roads and public infrastructure.”
Submissions can be sent through email via the standard online form, lodging in person, or via post.
Attend the Ebbw Vale public session, November 30, Ebbw Vale Memorial Park (11A Brisbane Road, Ebbw Vale). Time: 8am-12pm.