Join the
conversation

Kirana Property is proposing to rezone the site at 50 Busby Street from R1 General Residential to R3 Medium Density Residential to allow for the future development of a high-quality, medium-density neighbourhood.

The concept proposes around 97 new dwellings, comprising a mix of townhouses and low-rise apartments set within landscaped surrounds. The vision is to create a welcoming and connected residential community that offers diverse housing choices, green open spaces for the community, and convenient access to Bathurst’s town centre.

The site previously operated as St Catherines Aged Care Facility, which has remained vacant since 2017. The existing buildings are no longer suitable foraged care or similar use. Redevelopment provides an opportunity to revitalise an underutilised site and deliver much-needed housing diversity in Bathurst.

The proposal seeks to create a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood that contributes positively to the city’s growth while respecting its heritage, landscape, and local character.

Kirana Property is a locally owned and operated developer with a strong record of delivering high-quality, community-focused projects across regional NSW.

Kirana’s developments are guided by a commitment to design excellence, sustainability and genuine community engagement. The company’s approach is to work collaboratively with councils and local residents to ensure projects are well integrated with their surroundings and reflect the character of the region.

A Planning Proposal is a formal request to amend the planning controls that apply to a site under the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

For 50 Busby Street, the proposal seeks to:

• Rezone the site to R3 Medium Density Residential

• Increase the permitted building height

• Update minimum allotment sizes

• Insert a site-specific development control plan to guide future development.

If approved, these amendments will establish the framework for a subsequent development application (DA) that address detailed design, materials, landscaping, and construction.

Bathurst Regional Council has resolved to progress the Planning Proposal to public exhibition. During this period, community members will have the opportunity to view the plans, ask questions, and provide feedback to Council.

Kirana Property is supporting this process by sharing information early and providing avenues for the community to engage, ensuring that feedback is informed and transparent.

Once the exhibition period concludes, Bathurst Regional Council will review all submissions alongside feedback from relevant government agencies. Council will then decide whether to adopt the Planning Proposal (with or without amendment) and refer it to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for final approval.

If approved, detailed design controls will be developed to ensure the final neighbourhood delivers high-quality outcomes consistent with Bathurst’s local planning framework.

No. The Planning Proposal is about establishing the planning framework for the site - it does not authorise construction of specific buildings.

If the rezoning is approved, a future development application will be lodged. These applications will detail the design, layout, landscaping, and construction management, and will also include opportunities for further community feedback.

The proposal seeks to increase the maximum building height to allow for a balanced mix of two-storey townhouses and low-rise apartment buildings. The design intent is to create a scale that integrates sensitively with surrounding properties while taking advantage of the site’s elevated position and views across Bathurst.

The proposal currently includes approximately 97 new homes - a mix of around 34 townhouses and 63 apartments. This reflects the early concept design and responds to Bathurst’s identified need for smaller, more affordable dwellings to suit a range of households, from essential workers and young families to downsizers.

The final number and mix of homes will be determined through the detailed design and Development Application (DA) process, which will consider community feedback, site characteristics, and planning requirements.

The project will feature a range of apartments from one to three bedrooms and larger townhouses, providing flexibility and diversity within a walkable, landscaped setting. The neighbourhood design promotes accessibility, community interaction, and active lifestyles.

Green space is a central feature of the concept plan. Landscaped gardens, tree planting, and shared open spaces will create an attractive and environmentally responsive setting.

Design principles focus on native and locally suited species, shaded pedestrian paths, and communal areas that encourage recreation, connection, and wellbeing.

Independent traffic studies have been undertaken to assess potential impacts on the surrounding road network. The studies indicate that the network can accommodate the expected traffic volumes. Adequate on-site parking will be provided in accordance with Council’s requirements, and any necessary road or access upgrades will be addressed as part of future DAs.

The site at 50 Busby Street is not heritage-listed; however, it is located within an established area of South Bathurst that has a strong historic character. The proposal has been designed to respect this context by ensuring future development is sympathetic to the surrounding architectural style and streetscape.

As the project progresses, detailed design controls will guide the choice of materials, building height, form, and landscaping to ensure new buildings complement Bathurst’s existing character. Heritage and visual impact considerations will be further assessed during the Development Application (DA) stage to maintain and enhance the area’s overall visual quality.

The concept plan has been designed to minimise potential impacts on adjoining homes through building setbacks, height transitions, and landscaping buffers.

Detailed designs will be guided by Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) to protect privacy, solar access, and local amenity.

Kirana Property invites the community to share their feedback and learn more about the proposal. You can get involved by:

• Attending one of our community information sessions held in November

• Completing the online community survey available on this website

• Sending an email to the project team via info@kiranaproperty.com.au

• Making a formal submission to Bathurst Regional Council during the public exhibition period: 50 Busby Street Planning Proposal | Your Say Bathurst Region

Community input is an important part of shaping the future of 50 Busby Street, and all feedback is valued.

Early engagement with local residents has helped identify community priorities, such as maintaining local character, managing traffic, and enhancing green space.

This feedback has guided refinements to the proposal and will continue to inform the design and communication process. Kirana Property is committed to ongoing engagement and transparent updates as the project progresses.

While both Planning Proposals will be exhibited concurrently by Council, the 50 Busby Street proposal is independent and has its own planning process, design vision, and consultation program.

Kirana Property’s focus is on ensuring its proposal reflects Bathurst’s needs, delivers housing diversity, and contributes positively to the South Bathurst community.

For project updates and upcoming engagement opportunities, please contact the project team:

✉️ info@kiranaproperty.com.au

🌐 www.kiranaproperty.com.au

We encourage community members to stay connected and participate in shaping the future of 50 Busby Street, South Bathurst.