A DEVELOPER has lodged plans for a 23-home housing development at Willaston, but the Gawler Council assessment panel could shut it down before it gets started.

Plans lodged by developers Masterplan would see a parcel of land at Panter Street, Willaston, subdivided into 23 allotments for homes of various sizes.

Gawler’s Council Assessment Panel (CAP) is set to decide whether to assess the application at its meeting tonight, with council staff recommending the panel not proceed, therefore refusing the proposal.

In a report to be tabled at the meeting, concerns with the proposed development’s proximity to the Willaston light industry zone raised concerns for staff.

“Although residential development is evident within the locality, the existing development is generally not of a density that reflects the subject proposal,” the report read.

“This density coupled with its location within the Special Use Zone is considered to be inconsistent with the intent of the zone’s development plan provisions.

“Additionally, the subject land abuts a number of existing industrial land uses and gives rise to potential interface concerns as a result of an increase in sensitive receptors within the locality.

“Therefore when considering the locality, the intended use of the land expressed by the provisions of the Special Use Zone and proposed insensitivity of the proposed residential land use, it is  recommended that the Panel resolve not to proceed to undertake a full and thorough assessment of the application.”

During negotiations with the council, Masterplan reduced the number of dwellings to be created by four and increased the average allotment size.

To counter any possible clash between proposed residents and nearby industry, the developers have proposed two-metre “intensive landscape” buffers at the rear of homes which adjoin the zone boundary and a landscaped area of “at least” three metres along allotment boundaries near a road or reserve.

In a letter addressed to council, Masterplan’s Stewart Hocking argued the nature of “light industry” aims not to impact on the amenity of a locality, meaning any nearby homes shouldn’t be affected.

“We are of the view that this parcel of land is ideally located for this form of residential development in a high amenity environment that is close to community facilities, public transport and the Murray Street shopping precinct,” he said.

“The conveniently located pedestrian bridge across the North Para River is of particular importance regarding access to the public facilities and conveniences.”

If the CAP was to vote against staff recommendations and allow the application to proceed, access to the land and how proposed dwellings would fit inside the development plan would be investigated.