Connemara worship proposal held up by title restriction on Gorman Road access

A proposed place of public worship at 8 Connemara Drive, Orange, remains undecided after the Planning & Development Policy Committee deferred DA 152/2026(1) to review access to the site.

The applicant had initially sought vehicle entry to the rear of the property via Gorman Road. The Interim Director Development Services told councillors a Section 88B restriction on the land title prevented that access and created a legal impediment to changing the arrangement.

Councillor T Mileto asked whether the restriction could be varied, noting that access might address nearby residents’ concerns about increased traffic. Staff said restrictions on a land title under Section 88 were absolute, although the Manager Development Assessments said there was a process for considering a variation if the applicant made a request.

The manager said the restriction was imposed when the land was subdivided. Council engineering staff had determined that access along Gorman Road would increase the traffic impact, while restrictions at the rear of the lots were intended to provide a landscape buffer for adjoining residential areas. The restriction was a condition of consent for the subdivision.

Traffic safety at the Gorman Road and Connemara Drive intersection was also discussed. A traffic-monitoring camera had been placed on Gorman Road to assess vehicle speed and usage. Staff said an intersection safety review was not required as part of the development application, but could be raised separately if needed.

The manager said the cost of another access would depend on how it was incorporated into the existing design and whether it linked to the other street and car park.

The committee deferred the application unanimously on 1 September. No date was given for its return. Cr M McDonell declared a non-significant non-pecuniary interest because she resides nearby.

At the same meeting, councillors approved detached dual occupancies at 2 Mallard Way and 73 Scarborough Street, as well as a development involving dwellings, a three-lot Torrens title subdivision and group homes at 21 Honeyman Drive and 6 Duncanson Drive. Those approvals were separate from the unresolved Connemara Drive application.