Bianco Precast Kilkenny site developer plans to halve storey height
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THE owner of the former Bianco Precast site in Kilkenny says he is prepared to halve the storey-height of his planned housing development to appease residents and neighbouring glass factory.
Peter Gregg, owner of the vacant land next to Kilkenny train station, floated the idea of building a 600-home, eight-storey development on the 4ha site last year.
However Mr Gregg told the Weekly Times Messenger this week he was now considering a maximum height of four storeys after residents and neighbouring manufacturer O-I Glass raised concerns about the high density development.
Charles Sturt Council wrote to Transport Minister John Rau earlier this month to ask him to start the process of rezoning the former industrial land next to the Kilkenny train station for residential and mixed-use development.
As reported, nearby glass manufacturer Owens Illinois (O-I) said a residential development would threaten the future of its Port Rd factory, potentially risking the jobs of their 205 employees.
The company claims residents would complain about smells and noise at the factory.
"The last thing I want to do is make it more difficult for them (O-I) - I want to sit down with O-I, the residents and council and look at what will work best for us all to coexist," Mr Gregg said.
"I'm still looking at a mixed-use development with something like an IGA, a day care and other services.
"The market is suited to about four storeys so I would look at having one to two storeys near existing homes and have the higher buildings near the station."
Mr Gregg said detailed plans would not be made until the development had approval from the council's Development Assessment Panel.
A spokeswoman for O-I Glass said the company would "continue to encourage alternative uses for the site that would offer the local community benefits, such as ongoing employment, while ensuring the long-term viability of our plant".
Charles Sturt Mayor Kirsten Alexander said if Mr Rau supported rezoning the land for housing, there should be a thorough consultation process taking into account the views of residents and needs of OI.
Kilkenny resident June Miller, who lives near the site on Arkaba Rd, said a maximum of four stories would alleviate residents' concerns.
"Residents are supportive of a residential development but a highrise development just isn't suited to the site and this would remove any of those problems," Ms Miller said.
"It's just what the area needs and we are 10 minutes from city centre so it's the perfect site."
A spokesman for Mr Rau said he was considering the matter.
"The Minister is aware that the subject land is adjacent a successful and important glass manufacturing business and wants to ensure that local jobs are supported meaning any possible change to zoning will need to make sure that the business is not detrimentally affected," he said.
"As such the Minister will be consulting with the relevant government agencies on land use, transport, environmental and employment matters before considering a response to the proposal from the City of Charles Sturt."
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