Larger blocks, single standard lots and multi-dwelling housing appear among the plans submitted to Dubbo City Council.

If approved and completed they could become a welcome stimulus for Dubbo’s stretched supply of dwellings and the broader economy.

In the past 12 months the council also approved 208 dwellings, the highest number for almost a decade, mayor Mathew Dickerson reported.

He anticipated if given a green light the proposed subdivisions would help add variety to the city’s housing stocks and boost the construction sector, as would the recently approved projects.

The developments proposed by a number of separate applicants are located in different suburbs.

Plans for a $3.45 million multi-dwelling housing development in Dubbo’s north were lodged this month.

Applicant the St Vincent de Paul Society has proposed the 21 units for 28-32 Macleay Street.

DAs for a $1.5 million, 39-lot subdivision in Cavelle Place and a $2.52 million, 72-lot subdivision along the Peak Hill road were two stages of the same development, a council spokeswoman said.

The subdivision was linked to an existing subdivision to the west via Cavelle Place and would subsequently link to the north with the Grangewood estate, the spokeswoman said.

Both DAs are still under consideration by the council.

The proposed $14 million next stage of Keswick Estate in the city’s south-east would put 217 lots in the pipeline.

With the developer being the council and the project exceeding $5 million, it will be referred to the Joint Regional Planning Panel for a decision, the council spokeswoman said.

Ryals Holdings has proposed a $7.5 million multi-dwelling housing and serviced apartments complex along Cobbora Road. 

A $1 million medium-density subdivision in Dubbo’s west also received approval this month.

The 21 lots, ranging in area from 431.3 square metres (m²) to 994.4 m², form the second of three medium-density subdivision releases as part of the 333-lot Delroy Park Estate, the council spokeswoman said.

Cr Dickerson said it was pleasing to see a number of DAs had been submitted, “ranging in size from smaller medium-density blocks and multi-dwelling housing developments right through to large hectare blocks”. 

“This builds on last financial year (2013-14), which saw council approve 208 dwellings, the highest number of approvals since 2004-2005,” he said.

“The recent high level of activity in the residential housing sector and the continued growth of Dubbo’s median sale price for both houses and units, with 6.9 per cent average growth in the 10 years to March 2012, indicate Dubbo’s strong economy and reflect our position as a growing regional city. 

“If approved these developments will contribute to creating a mix of housing types and styles to suit a diverse range of needs in the Dubbo residential market. 

“I look forward to considering these development applications with my fellow councillors at the upcoming committee and council meetings.”