In recent years, proposals for MHEs have been widely debated across the Mid Coast local government area (LGA) with residents raising numerous issues relating to the location of the estates, potential impacts on neighbours and the number of homes in estates.

Having three sets of planning controls across the Mid Coast, for the three former regions, has led to some inconsistency with how this type of development is considered.

"While the current zoning in project is working towards the establishment of one set of planning controls across the Mid Coast, this is a complex process that is planned for completion in 2022," MidCoast Council acting strategic planning manager, Richard Pamplin said.

"In the meantime, we think that these interim changes to existing planning controls can provide clarity and a more consistent approach for manufactured home estates applications," Mr Pamplin said.

Changes will include a new local provision that defines MHEs in the Greater Taree Local Environmental Plan 2010, Great Lakes Local Environmental Plan 2014 and Gloucester Local Environmental Plan 2010.

In addition, a change to the land use table for the general residential zone in the Greater Taree Local Environmental Plan 2010 will make it a 'closed' zone consistent with the Great Lakes and Gloucester local environmental plans.

The land use table will identify all permissible (with or without consent) land uses, making all others prohibited.

This will mean that manufactured home estates will no longer be able to apply as an 'undefined' use.

In support of these changes, council is also proposing changes to all three Development Control Plans to include provisions for MHEs.

These provisions will require applicants to consider issues such as the compatibility with surrounding neighbourhood, landscaping, design, parking, storage facilities, environmental issues and social impacts - areas of concern previously raised by the community.

"We're also holding follow-up discussions with the Hallidays Point community who have expressed an interest in manufactured home estates on a number of occasions," Mr Pamplin said.

Information sessions will be held at Hallidays Point on Thursday, July 2 to allow members of the community to find out more about the changes.

Related:

Given the COVID-19 restrictions, the sessions will be by appointment only.

Please contact council on 7955 7777 to make an appointment.

Both the changes to the Local Environmental Plans and the Development Control Plans are available for viewing and feedback until Friday, July 31.

Visit council have your page or view the proposal at council offices.

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