🌴 Threat to over 50 acres of primary habitat in East End, warns Department of Environment

The Department of Environment (DoE) has issued a warning about a planning application for a 184-lot subdivision in East End, which could put over 50 acres of rare pristine habitat at risk. The application, submitted by Invicta Construction, includes 180 residential lots and a road parcel. The company is seeking a zoning variance to sell the lots more cheaply and facilitate affordable homes. However, the DoE has urged the Central Planning Authority to decline the application due to the significant environmental threat it poses. 🌳

The site under threat consists of a mixture of primary dry forest, woodland, and shrubland, all of which are of high ecological value and provide a biodiverse habitat for native wildlife, including the critically endangered blue iguana. The DoE has expressed concern over the potential loss of this habitat, which is already in severe decline due to human development. The application also poses a risk to the East End water lens. The DoE has recommended that any land clearing, excavation, filling, or development should be subject to consultation with the National Conservation Council. 🦎

While the DoE acknowledges the need for affordable housing, it has questioned the need for a subdivision of this density in this area. The department has called for a comprehensive review of the 'need' for the subdivision of more parcels before the planning application is determined. If planning permission is granted, the DoE has requested to be consulted to help developers avoid harming the blue iguana population. The DoE also suggests that natural habitat and native vegetation could be incorporated into parks, play areas, and amenity spaces to provide multiple benefits to the community. 🏞️