Both sides of the local government boundary are planning for more residential growth on the road linking the Maitland Railway Station roundabout with Kurri Kurri.

Maitland City Council is working on further stages of land releases in Gillieston Heights and, at Cessnock City Council, a rezoning proposal is on exhibition for land at Heddon Greta, adjoining Kurri Kurri Golf Club and including the Heddon Greta Drive-In.

The result was tipped to add to pressure on the road corridor incorporating Cessnock Road on the Maitland side of the divide, changing to Main Road at Cliftleigh.

Extensions of Heddon Estate, which has already swelled the tiny suburb of Heddon Greta, were also in the pipeline.

The Darcys Peak and Saddlers Ridge subdivisions began the transition of the road, with four lanes of traffic and traffic lights at the intersection of the newly-constructed Saddlers Road, and a right-turning lane into Darcys Peak.

The Gillieston Heights Master Plan includes more residential growth on both sides of Cessnock Road, swallowing the existing township.

It identifies a potential school site, a commercial centre complete with supermarket and public open space on the eastern side, accessed from three points on Cessnock Road.

One entry opposite Thomas Street has been earmarked for traffic lights.

The document also made provision for an off-road footpath and cyclepath along the frontage of Cessnock Road.

Maitland city strategy manager Monica Gibson said a 1200-lot stage one of the land release had been approved.

“We’re now drafting a zoning plan for the eastern site for land around the current village of Gillieston, which will include residential, some retirement developments and improvements to sports facilities,” she said.

“We’re looking at about 600-plus lots there.”

More traffic lights have already been approved on the road at Cliftleigh, at the entry to a 900-lot subdivision.

Cessnock City Council city planning manager Darryl Fitzgerald said a successful rezoning of land at Heddon Greta and subsequent land releases could drive the need for more.

“That development could generate the need for traffic lights through Heddon Greta, but that’s not a decision for council,” he said.

“The RTA will look at that when the development applications come in.”