A planning proposal to amend the Byron Local Environment Plan (LEP) to allow for the redevelopment of the old Mullumbimby Hospital site is on public exhibition.
The amendment to the Byron LEP is necessary to allow Council to change the zoning of the site from 'infrastructure - health services' to 'general residential' for the majority of the land along with a small section earmarked as 'environmental conservation'. The aged care facility land will remain as is.
It will also provide for an increase in the height of buildings on the site from nine metres to 11.5 metres.
The exhibition period will finish on 11 February 2024.
A submission report will then go to Council before the final document is submitted to the NSW Government for approval.
"This has been a long process and we are making solid progress towards the goal of being able to turn the old hospital site into an asset for the community," Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.
"To keep the process moving, we have also been working with the community via an Enquiry by Design process, to find out what people want to see on this site in terms of housing and facilities.
Three concept design options were produced at the Enquiry by Design workshops.
In the new year, a workshop with Councillors will consider key matters such as land tenure and minimum percentage of housing (affordable/conventional) to inform a financial feasibility plan. This will then further refine the concept designs.
"This land, which was once home to the town's very valued hospital, has enormous potential to deliver much needed housing and community facilities," Mayor Lyon said.
Information about the planning proposal and how to make a submission is on Council's website.
