A large allotment of land within the Merimbula town boundary has been advertised for sale, marketed as a "rare development opportunity".
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Land across the Bega Valley Shire is scarce and housing an ongoing issue, with council recently announcing changes to its draft planning proposal to remove the minimum site areas for dwelling houses, multi dwelling houses and residential flat buildings in urban residential, village and mixed use zones.
A few months ago, while many cities across the country faced ongoing lockdowns, interest in relocating to regional areas, dubbed the 'race to the regions', continued, placing further pressure on local housing and highlighting the dire need for affordable housing in the area, prompting a draft affordable housing strategy being prepared by council.
The 28.57 hectare parcel of land at 273 Merimbula Drive is the largest offering currently listed and is zoned E3 (environmental management) and E4 (environmental living).
This zoning permits subdivision, dwellings and dual occupancy, ecotourism, camping grounds, B&Bs, restaurants, home businesses and agricultural activities.
Director of Sails Real Estate Steve Haslam said subject to council approval, a developer could subdivide the land into six or eight lots, with town water, power and telephone services available and sealed road access from Merimbula Drive.
However, clearing of vegetation is not permitted by landowners unless they satisfy all environmental requirements of the Office of Environment and Heritage as well as Biodiversity Conservation legislation if any part of their land is zoned E2/E3/E4.
Mr Haslam said he had received about a dozen inquiries since the privately owned property was listed four days ago.
"It's the type of property I could imagine someone might buy to landbank, then build a home on it and subdivide it in years to come," Mr Haslam said.
"A buyer might come from Sydney or Canberra, someone could quite easily put another resort there if they wanted to.
"I think council would be open to it."
A large section of the parcel completely surrounded by bush has been previously opened up for a house site and has the best view of Merimbula Lake available from the property.
Mr Haslam said if subdivided the land value could probably be in the vicinity of $600,000 per block.
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