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Gardens, trees and parks will be more prominent in new housing estates if councillor Simon Landow gets his way. The Wollondilly councillor wants the council to reconsider its planning controls so developers are forced to make their estates more green. “I want to plan for the future,” Cr Landow said. “I want to encourage more green, open areas with gardens and trees. “We need to decrease the amount of asphalt and concrete. New estates need to be properly planned.” Cr Landow asked the council to prepare a report into reviewing the council’s planning controls within 12 months at the last council meeting. The review will look into ways of decreasing the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect is used to describe developed areas that “trap heat” and are significantly hotter – anywhere from 2-12 degrees Celsius warmer – than surrounding areas. “Houses need to be set back from the road so there is more garden space in people’s front yards,” he said. “There also needs to be more space between neighbours’ houses and room for rainwater tanks. “Trees that animals use for food or habitat need to be retained or replaced, especially on the larger blocks. “I would also like to see wider roads.” Cr Landow believes light coloured roofing to prevent the retention of heat and trees and vegetation that are native to the area will help combat the urban heat island effect. Cr Landow commended Campbelltown Council’s strategy to be a green city by creating rooftop gardens, encouraging growth along transport corridors to reduce urban sprawl and by encouraging residents to walk rather than drive. Cr Landow said aspects of Campbelltown’s green strategy could work in the shire but the council had its own strategy to maintain Wollondilly’s rural character. He said the council’s short term vision did not include high rise apartments. “It is great what Campbelltown Council is trying to achieve and Wollondilly Council is thinking along the same lines,” he said. “In 100 years there might be high rise apartments in the shire so we will need rooftop gardens but not at this stage. “For now we want to maintain the green belts around our towns and we need to be specific about where developers can and cannot build houses. “I would encourage Camden Council and all councils to do the same.” Cr Landow said housing density or apartments could be an option in the future as long as the shire had the infrastructure to support it. The report will also look into ways developers can incorporate new technologies such as solar panels, electric cars and water saving options into developments.

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