COVID-19 cited for delay of approved subdivision

THE Toowoomba Regional Council has granted another extension to a planned subdivision north of Highfields that was originally approved six years ago, with the developer citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for the delay.

Applicant Deborah Marie Crabb has been given a twoyear extension on her proposal to create 68 lots and two detention basins on Woolmer Rd at Woolmer.

The development was originally approved back in 2014 as part of an order by the planning and environment court, before it was extended in 2018 by two years.

According to the applicant, the economic impacts of COVID-19 had made the project commercial unviable and the developer needed more time before she could start work at the site. “Prevailing economic conditions have precluded the commercially viable development of the approved project and has resulted in the development not being undertaken as quickly as originally anticipated," the submission said.

“The applicant had planned to seek the related approvals and commence construction of the staged project in the near future, however due to the recent uncertainty generated by COVID-19, has decided to delay commencing the project until the economic impacts of the health crisis are better understood.”

TRC senior planner Richard Green approved the request, saying it was “considered acceptable and reasonable”.

The developer now has until 2022 to start on the first two stages, and until 2024 for the final stage.