Developers proposed four lots ranging in size from 1000 to 2500 square metres in Diamond Drive adjacent to a recently completed service station be created in the initial phase.

But, earlier this month councillors unanimously supported a staff recommendation the sub-division be rejected for reasons including the lot sizes were too small for the retail, business, entertainment and community uses intended for the area projected to grow to 50,000 people.

Traffic concerns were also raised with the plans submitted.

“The current proposal will inevitably result in small individual shops and business, reduced further by their need to provide on-site parking, reinforcing car dependency and creating a fragmented and disconnected landscape, which was never the intent for any of the major neighbourhood centres,” council’s planning and environment director Michael Keys said in his report presented to council.

“The fragmentation of the neighbourhood centre is a reactionary approach, cutting off pieces of land on demand as and when the need arises.”

In correspondence to council on behalf of the developers it was argued consent was only being sought for the sub-division and future uses would be the subject of further development applications.

Also, there was a commitment to providing open space on the corner of Diamond Drive and Thurgoona Drive and creating a large carpark in the future.

There was also “firm interest” in the lot sizes wanting to be developed.

Cr David Thurley backed the staff recommendation to knock back the sub-division.

“The report is comprehensive and very detailed,” he said.

“I understand the proponents don’t accept that point of view and have raised strong criticisms of the report.

“But it has been thoroughly investigated.”