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ONE of Bendigo's largest ever residential subdivisions is a step closer, with councillors expected to sign off on a 1400-home estate in Maiden Gully.
The rezoning of the 183-hectare Forest Park Estate, at 244 Edwards Road, will go before City of Greater Bendigo councillors for final deliberation this week.
The Forest Park Estate subdivision received 21 submissions, 12 of which opposed it, five supported it and four were neutral.
Key issues included bushfire risk, neighbourhood characters, traffic impacts, lack of public transport and loss of vegetation.
These were referred to the independent panel, with minor changes made.
If approved, 125-hectares of land will be rezoned from farming zone to general residential zone.
The land is currently used for grazing and is located eight kilometres west of Bendigo and two kilometres west of the centre of Maiden Gully.
Current planning controls affecting parts of the land include a Bushfire Management Overlay, Vegetation Protection Overlay and Environmental Significance Overlay.
The amendment would extend the Bushfire Management Overlay and introduce a Development Plan Overlay and a Native Vegetation Precinct Plan. It would also amend the Urban Growth Boundary.
The report to council states the developer will fund nine community infrastructure projects valued at $5.82M, including a signature park featuring a community hall, car park and district play space.
Birchgrove Property's Damien Tangey declined to comment, saying "the decision rests with council".