Up to 200 new homes, with a focus on Hills downsizers, could be built within walking distance of Stirling's main street shops and services after the state government approved planning investigations into rezoning land in the Adelaide Hills town.
The Minister for Planning has approved the initiation of the Stirling East Code Amendment proposed by Stirling Developments, allowing investigations and community consultation to begin on planning changes across a 1.4-hectare site made up of 28 separate titles behind Stirling's main street precinct.
The proposed changes could support between 150 and 200 homes and around 5,500 square metres of additional leasable retail and commercial floor space.
Stirling Developments is putting “ageing in place” at the heart of their plans, making the future development a perfect opportunity for downsizers to purchase in the Hills communities where they have built their lives.
Eligible downsizers aged 60 and over buying a smaller new or off-the-plan home worth up to $2 million won’t pay stamp duty after the state government scrapped the tax on new builds.
The Code Amendment will investigate lifting maximum building heights from the current limit of two levels to accommodate more homes while supporting a mix of residential and commercial uses, enabling connected neighbourhoods and more housing choice.
The proponent’s concept includes apartments, supported disability accommodation and short-stay accommodation, alongside a medical centre, wellness centre and hydrotherapy pool. It also proposes underground parking behind the retail precinct and restoration of the historic Coco’s building.
Any future development would be subject to separate development applications.
Investigations will cover building heights and design, traffic and parking, infrastructure, stormwater, bushfire risk, trees and vegetation, heritage, and how future development would fit with Stirling's village character.
The work will also look at walking and cycling links between future development and the main street, as well as potential connections to Apex Park.
Community consultation will form part of the Code Amendment process, including engagement with nearby landowners and occupiers. Adelaide Hills Council, government agencies, infrastructure providers and other stakeholders will also be consulted.
Proponent Stirling Developments has already held around 14 community meetings at the Stirling Library and run a public survey that received 218 responses, alongside engagement with Adelaide Hills Council and local traders.
The proponent’s vision for the site can be viewed at stirlingdevelopments.com.au