Feedback sought on designs for new social housing in Coffs

HOMES NSW is currently in the community consultation phase for a proposed development that could deliver 60 new social and affordable homes to Coffs Harbour.

The proposed development, at 211a-215 Harbour Drive, comprises a four-storey building with 60 high quality units, a communal room for residents, basement car parking and internal lifts, and landscaping and fencing across the site.

“Like all new housing delivered by Homes NSW, the community can expect this development to be modern, well designed, and accessible,” a spokesperson told News Of The Area.

“The site location is close to vital community services like schools, shops, medical facilities and public transport.

“We’ve sought the community’s feedback and advice on anything they think will help inform the design for the new development, along with any other important local factors.

“There will also be further opportunities to have [a] say as the project progresses.”

Following the Community Drop-In Session on 12 June, the project team will finalise and submit a State Significant Development (SSD) application with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
It will be placed on public exhibition on the DPHI website, and the community will have the opportunity to make submissions.

A resident who lives near the site said she was among those who attended the consultation session.

She said several were not in favour of the development because of fears of anti-social behaviour.

Concerns were also raised about parking and increased traffic, as there are already issues during school drop-off and pick-up times.

She also pointed out that current housing in the area is single storey.

Homes NSW is currently going through the process of selecting a community housing provider (CHP) to act as a future development partner and property manager.

The community will be informed as soon as they have been secured.

The broader focus of Homes NSW is to speak to social housing tenants across the entire Coffs Harbour LGA to capture their needs, preferences, and lived experiences.

This will inform local area planning, which will guide decisions about future social housing developments, priorities for maintenance and upgrades, and integration with community services across all areas of Coffs Harbour – including the Argyll Estate Precinct.

The consultation phase will run from July-August, with analysis and community feedback sessions scheduled through to November 2025.

By Andrew VIVIAN