It is likely to be an anxious wait for residents of Wallis Street, East Maitland, as Maitland City Council considers whether it should change the zoning on a nearby site from rural to residential – a move that would effectively signal the green light for a proposal for 40 new home lots.
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The concerns of Wallis Street residents are understandable.
The residents have moved to this part of the city with the clear expectation that their semi-rural outlook would be protected from the hands of developers in the future.
Even if they had done their “homework” and found that a similar development on the same land had been knocked back 20 years ago, the recent approval of a 100-lot subdivision nearby, on the north side of historic Glebe Cemetery, would leave them nervous.
Residents will have their opportunity to have their say.
The proposal is on public exhibition until November 8 and this is the proper process and forum for residents to express their views.
It appears Maitland City Council does recognise the importance of the site, in terms of both Aboriginal and European history.
The council has already consulted with local Aboriginal groups as well as the Maitland and District Historical Society.
Given, however, that a development proposal was rejected in 1993, it will be a curious state of affairs if it gets the nod this time round.
Vicki Bliss has sounded a warning on behalf of not only Wallis Street residents but perhaps on behalf of many people in this city.
She says that if the council continues to allow urban sprawl the city will become like Campbelltown.
Her fear is both real and valid.
And very few people who call Maitland home would want that for their city.
Council must tread carefully in respect to any development, especially one that is on land so steeped in history.