Two Orange properties approved for new homes, group homes and subdivision

Orange City Council has approved a multi-part residential development across 21 Honeyman Drive and 6 Duncanson Drive, including a three-lot Torrens title subdivision and group-home use of dwellings.

The approval, DA 459/2025(1), covers a dwelling house and secondary dwelling, dual occupancy, subdivision and group homes across the two Orange properties. It is subject to conditions in the Notice of Approval.

The Planning & Development Policy Committee approved the application unanimously on 1 September. All 11 attending councillors voted for the resolution, with no votes against. Cr J Whitton was absent.

The approval adds to two other residential developments approved at the same meeting. Council granted consent for detached dual occupancies at 2 Mallard Way and 73 Scarborough Street, also subject to conditions in their Notices of Approval.

The available details do not specify the number of bedrooms, the number of people who will be accommodated in the group homes, construction costs or a construction timetable.

The committee also deferred DA 152/2026(1), a proposed place of public worship at 8 Connemara Drive, while access to the site is reviewed. Questions during the discussion included restrictions on the land title, possible access via Gorman Road and traffic safety at the Gorman Road and Connemara Drive intersection.

Staff advised that a Section 88B restriction prevents access to the rear of the Connemara Drive site via Gorman Road. They said the restrictions were imposed as part of the earlier subdivision to provide a landscape buffer for adjoining residential areas, although a process exists for an applicant to request a variation to title restrictions.

The Connemara Drive application remains separate from the approved Honeyman Drive and Duncanson Drive development. No date was specified for its return for further consideration.