Council had been considering a planning proposal from Belvoir Hill Pastoral Company for an amendment to the Oberon Local Environmental Plan to rezone land at 2519 O'Connell Road, south of O'Connell village, from RU1 Primary Production Zone to R5 Large Lot Residential Zone with a 10-hectare minimum lot size.

At council's meeting in November last year, it was resolved to await formal advice from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment about the rezoning, after which a further report would be prepared detailing the options available to council.

The Independent Planning Commission has since advised that the condition should be retained in its entirety.

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Next step for proposed subdivision at O'Connell

Decision deferred on rezoning land near O'Connell

At council's February meeting, David Walker, from engineering, surveying and planning company Geolyse, representing the proponent, asked council to hold a workshop with the proponent and defer any further decision until after that had occurred.

Mr Walker said O'Connell is a growth area and he hoped council would still move forward with the rezoning determination.

Cr Clive McCarthy said the development application had merit and he thought council should have the workshop.

"We have services there, such as a bus service and fibre optic cabling," he said.

Cr Ian Doney did not agree, saying council had received professional advice.

"I'm concerned we are paying no attention and why are we even considering this?" he asked. "We have no basis to move forward.

"All governing bodies say this is not in the best interest."

Cr Don Capel agreed, saying council had to take notice of professional advice.

Eventually, a recommendation was carried that council withdraw support for the planning proposal and authorise the general manager to advise Planning and Environment of that decision and that council undertake a Land Use Study to be completed by February 2022.