More than 100 new houses will be built in Wagga's rapidly-expanding northern suburbs following the approval of a four-stage subdivision.
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Residents say the green light for a developer to subdivide land off Pine Gully Road at Gobbagombalin means the need for services, like shops and a school, is now greater than ever.
The subdivision, known as Estella Heights, promises 98 lots and is estimated to cost $2.94 million.
The application by Debbie Cox, director of subdivisions at Garry Cox Homes, was lodged in early February.
She said land opportunities in the city's north are driving this demand.
"This will give a lot more access to blocks for anybody who wishes to build," Mrs Cox said.
"Land access is driving the north ... the uni quite possibly has made an impact and the Bomen Industrial Hub is also a good draw card.
"But, the site is close to town and it's a lovely, friendly and quiet neighbourhood."
The future of the Estella shopping centre was pushed back into the spotlight last month when Wagga City Council approved a planning proposal for a larger development site.
Yet, the long-awaited supermarket and the proposed Estella school, to be situated on the southern end of the Charles Sturt University campus, are still both on the drawing board.
Mrs Cox did not believe that people were deterred from choosing to live in this area as a result of the uncertainty surrounding these developments.
However, she argued that the need for these facilities has become a necessity because the population continues to increase.
"I don't think it's impacting their choice but there's more desire to have these facilities," Mrs Cox said.
"There's a large population out there now and these types of facilities are needed."
Charles Sturt University student Demi Lawler moved from living on-campus to Estella about a year ago.
Like Mrs Cox, Ms Lawler said the amount of inquiry in this area suggests that people are not deterred by no shops in the near future.
"We need at least a general store for little essentials and a cafe over this way would do well too," she said.
"I think at the moment people are moving out here in the hopes there will be shops soon, but ... shops have been in the work for over four years, with no signs of them getting built anytime soon.
"There is definitely a need for more services ... however, people keep moving out here anyway."
James Whiteley built his Estella home in 2014 and said the lack of services on his side of the bridge would deter some people from choosing to build there.
"I think there would be people taking this into account with the new subdivision in Gobba compared to land elsewhere," he said.
"[Services] definitely comes into the picture when you're making that decision and particularly for older residents, having something that is close, local and easier to access.
"I definitely think there's a need already, prior to the subdivision, and an appetite for services."
Mr Whiteley said residents are "frustrated" about how the proposed developments have dragged on.
"A corner store would be beneficial, but I also think a proper shopping centre would be better and with the population growing, financially it would stack up I would've thought," he said.
The subdivision will be carried out over four stages, completing stages six to nine, and will allow for some dual occupancies.
Stage four is nearing completion at the site and the developers will be progressing to the final stage once approvals have been finalised.