A large group of Southlakes residents are opposing a plan for eight dual occupancy units in the estate.
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A development application is currently before Dubbo Regional Council for part of the proposed work, which is planned for the Boundary Road side of the park, near the fountain.
The developer has already been given approval for the site to be subdivided and the next step is for the development itself to get approval.
Neighbours have raised concerns about the units taking land away from the Southlakes park, the lack of information and the impact it will have on the wildlife. Concerns have also been raised that the iconic fountain will have to be switched off due to the proximity of the proposed units.
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Brett Harvey from Brett Harvey Designs and Construction was contacted about the development, but said he did not wish to provide comment.
Resident Mandy Turner said she believed council should be preserving the green space. It had been used for almost a decade as a park, she said.
“My family frequently use this park and there are always so many people enjoying the space that it would be a disservice to residents and the local community if the proposed development was to proceed,” Ms Turner said.
Another resident said no matter what time of day, the park was always full of people, even in the dead of winter. She said she was “disappointed” in the proposal, especially when so little information had been provided to the neighbours.
As part of the consultation process, council spoke to the nine nearest neighbours about the development. However, Ms Turner said it wasn’t adequate when hundreds of people use the park.
“Many residents were only made aware via a Facebook group and subsequently when a construction fence was erected around the area recently,” she said.
“A poll has been running on the Southlakes residents’ Facebook group and in just three days in had over 100 votes against the proposed development.”
Steven Hogan, who lives across the road from the park, said he had heard nothing about the proposal.
Mr Hogan said he wanted answers.
“There might be something good planned for the site but they haven’t told us anything so we don’t know,” he said.
Ms Turner is among those calling for the development application to be rejected.
“If there has to be a development in this area I think the only type of building that should be built is a cafe that will help create a sense of community at the park. However, any development in this area should involve community consultation to ensure it is in the best outcome for the community,” she said.