Walker Corporation says it has listened to the people of Appin in making major changes to its Macquariedale Road housing plan.
The company says the revised proposal for 215 lots will include larger sites, more environmental measures, safety improvements to Appin Road and around $10 million in community improvements.
Now almost 70 per cent of all lots will be 700 square metres or bigger and a maximum 30 percent of lots between 450 and 699 square metres.
The amended proposal also specifies a maximum of 25 dwellings fronting Macquariedale Road.
“We noted feedback from Wollondilly Shire Council and the public to address several key areas that were of the greatest concern to the community,” says Tim Solan, development manager of Walker Corporation.
“The revised proposal is a plan to deliver a reinvigorated Appin town that will maintain its rural character and add value to the community and the greater Macarthur region with improved infrastructure, amenity and diversity of housing,’’ Mr Solan said.
“Walker Corporation is committed to working with the community and Wollondilly Shire Council to upgrade and introduce new facilities and amenities, along with development that is sensitive to the rural nature of the town to deliver new housing and ensure a sustainable Appin town for future generations,” Mr Beasley said.
Walker Corporation says it proposes to spend $2.5 million on works to upgrade intersections onto Appin Road between Church Street and Market Street to improve safety.
In addition, the company has committed to investing in Appin infrastructure issues such as open space, village centre, cycling trails, community services and the local environment.
Conservation measures to be funded by Walker include a wildlife corridor along Ousedale Creek as well as 54 hectares dedicated to conservation.
Walker says it will spend between $1.5m and $2m to ensure the land is preserved in perpetuity.
Also, $2.5m will be set aside ($11,628 per lot) to fund a “community chest” grants program to be run by Wollondilly Shire Council and community members.
And $500,000 will go towards a “green fund” for community led environmental projects in Appin.
Walker Corporation says it has also committed to restoring Appin Inn at an estimated cost of $1.2m.
However the restoration will no longer be associated with the Macquariedale Road planning proposal and will be wholly funded by Walker Corporation.
Restoration work could start within three months and be completed in close association with the Appin Historical Society and highly experienced archaeologists.
And the company says it is still committed to upgrading Gordon Lewis Oval, Macquariedale Road and the shopping centre, as well as providing $700,000 towards new cycle paths.
But the company says it’s not done listening to the concerns of the community.
“Walker welcomes community members wanting to know more about the revised Macquariedale Road Appin Planning Proposal to attend a Community Forum on Monday, April 11 at Wollondilly Shire Council’s Administration Building at 6:30pm,’’ a company spokesperson said.
