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UP TO 2000 extra homes, including ‘‘residential flats’’ will be built on the former sand mining sites on the Kurnell peninsula under new plans submitted by the landowners. The proposal by Besmaw, owned by the Holt family and Breen Property, will be thrashed out in the new year in talks with Sutherland Shire Council and the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI). A request by the companies for their land to be excluded from draft local environmental plan (LEP) 2013 was among a list of late changes which were approved in a mayoral minute by former mayor Kent Johns in July. The council decided to enter into ‘‘a meaningful working relationship’’ with the companies and the department to seek ‘‘a mutual agreement as to the optimal future zoning pattern for the former sand mining sites’’. It was the second attempt by Besmaw to have its land, which includes Sydney’s only privately-owned beach at Boat Harbour, approved for housing. In March the state government rejected the proposal after reviewing potential home sites suitable for quick housing developments. A report released by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Brad Hazzard said it was ‘‘not an appropriate location for housing’’, and the council opposed the use. But four months later the council endorsed a report by its officers suggesting talks to find ‘‘a mutual agreement’’. Its report said while all the claims made by the landowners were not accepted, it was time to determine ‘‘a new direction’’ and ‘‘planning vision’’. ‘‘Sand mining has all but come to an end, and the future use of the Besmaw and Breen lands will determine the future character and function of the peninsula,’’ the report said. Under the proposal, land on the edge of Quibray Bay, where horse stables are now, would be zoned for private recreation, environmental conservation and tourist and visitor accommodation. Land on the southern side of Captain Cook Drive, used for landfill, would have several zones, including local centre, general residential, public recreation and business park. ‘‘Residential development (including residential flats) is proposed on 83 hectares of the site and 24.9 hectares is proposed to be open space. ‘‘Approximately 1000-2000 dwellings are proposed.’’ The report said a previous vision for the peninsula as a tourist area had never eventuated, suggesting a lack of market interest. ‘‘Greenhills [housing] development has demonstrated how redevelopment can be achieved with acceptable outcomes and significant public benefit,’’ it said. ‘‘However, these lands are considerably more constrained than the sites that formed Greenhills. ‘‘Aircraft noise and public safety are the two greatest constraints to development.’’ But in a submission to the draft LEP, Sydney Airport Corporation objected to any residential development of the land as it was either directly beneath or adjacent to aircraft flight paths. ‘‘Exposing up to several thousand new residents to aircraft noise during these sensitive times is considered highly inappropriate,’’ the corporation said. BABY STEPS A Sutherland Shire Council spokeswoman said as ‘‘a starting point’’ for discussions the DPI had been asked to update its Kurnell land use safety study. The document needed to have regard for the changing nature of the Caltex operations and suitability of land affected by aircraft noise. ‘‘To date, a response has not been received from the DPI concerning these matters,’’ she said. ‘‘Council does not have a resolved position on how the land should be utilised until such time as the DPI clarifies its position in relation to possible future land use.’’ THE PLAN The proposed schedule for the agreement between the council, Australand and Breen Holdings: Stage 1A: Skateboard park and a turf playing field with amenities building, lighting and car parking. Completion mid-2014. Stage 1B: Two synthetic hockey fields with lighting, car parks and amenities block. Commencement this month. Stage 2: Three turf multi-purpose playing fields and a baseball field with lighting. Completion end of 2016. Stage 3: Three turf multi-purpose playing fields with lighting, amenities building and car parking. Completion 2018-19. ‘BLUEPRINT’ The deal that will provide a new sporting and recreation area on the Kurnell peninsula is ‘‘a blueprint’’ for future development, says executive chairman of Breen Property, Tom Breen. The voluntary planning agreement (VPA) between Sutherland Shire Council, Australand and Breen Holdings paved the way for the approval of the Greenhills Beach and Shearwater Landing housing estates. ‘‘The sporting fields and recreation area will provide a central corridor of parkland that will change the nature of the peninsula from the days of sand extraction,’’ Mr Breen said. ‘‘This VPA has become a blueprint for future co-operation between the landowners, councils and the state government.’’ Australand and Breen Holdings dedicated 91 hectares for public open space that will include 10 sports fields, a skateboard park, a heritage dune, water bodies, retained bushland and replanted and restored native vegetation and native grassland. The council will provide an extensive cycle and walking path link to Lucas Reserve, Wanda. A $1 million new skateboard park, which was delayed by Sydney Water requirements, is due to be completed by the middle of next year. 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