Cessnock councillors will lobby the Planning Minister to reverse an approval allowing allotments as small as 217m² at the Huntlee development.

The State Government signed off on a move to amend an approval for a new housing lot type known as Urban One, accomodating compact dwelling types between 217m² and 354m² around Huntlee’s commercial centre and potential school.

Council says community engagement on the Development Control Plan raised major concerns around the decision, however, especially in regard to parking, traffic, public transport, as well as amenities such as education and healthcare.

Mayor Jay Suvaal says the developer is taking advantage of the housing crisis, and the population density isn’t suitable for the region.

Council will write to the Planning Minister, as well as calling on Cessnock MP Clayton Barr to overturn the decision.

Image credit: Huntlee.