Riverview Heights comprises a massive 332 lots to be developed on the fringes of the city.

Stephen Lenehan’s Llandco Pty Ltd – which is behind the initiative – engaged Geolyse Pty Ltd to lodge a development application with Bathurst Regional Council.

However, because it is classed as an integrated development, approval is also needed from the NSW Office of Water as there will be run-off discharged into nearby Sawpit Creek.

Council has placed the development application for the subdivision on public display and is inviting written submissions regarding the plan. These will be taken until November 4.

The land involved in the development is officially classed as Lot 112, Ophir Road, Llanarth.

Such is the size of the development that provision has been made for a proposed future school adjoining the subdivision.

Mayor Gary Rush said recent NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure figures predict the population of the north west and western regions of the state will grow by 52,000 between now and 2031.

“And about a quarter of those new residents are expected to settle in Bathurst,” he said. “That’s substantial growth for a regional centre such as ours. 

“This development application for the 332 Riverview Heights lots supports and acknowledges those findings.

“It also shows Bathurst is a great place to invest and that we have a bright future, based around our diversity of industry and proximity to Sydney.”

Real estate agent Peter Ison from Ray White Bathurst said a project of this magnitude would be highly unlikely to be developed as one stage.

“Something like this would probably be a staged development, with blocks rolled out over a number of years,” he said. 

“Like most developments, this would depend on demand. For example, 40 lots would be put on the market and when they are just about sold, a start would be made on releasing the next 40 lots.”

Mr Ison said there isn’t a lot of choice when it comes to residential land releases in Bathurst.

“Council are a player, but in my opinion they don’t roll them out quickly enough,” he said. “Then you’ve got Lester Hewitt and Hynash developments out at Kelso, while there’s just a bit leftover at Orchard Hills which is Bruce Hackett.

“Other than that there’s no land available, but Riverview Heights should meet demand for several years to come. However, because there is strong demand for residential blocks I don’t think it will take that long for them to be sold.”

Mr Ison said council’s latest land release is about to go to ballot at prices from $150,000 to $160,000.

“Therefore, I would envisage that Riverview Heights blocks would come on the market at $160,000-plus,” he said.

Repeated attempts by the Western Advocate to contact Mr Lenehan for comment were unsuccessful.