A controversial $180 million planning proposal, which was thrust into the spotlight a few months ago, has taken another step forward.
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Plans to reclassify the Morgan, Murray, Forsyth and Docker streets precinct from community to operational were approved by Wagga City Council last night, as was a proposal to rezone the site.
The city's councillors heard concerns from a number of residents, who gathered in force to ensure their objections were not ignored.
While parking, open spaces and flooding were matters addressed, a main source of angst was the removal of floor space ratios.
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After hearing their concerns, Councillor Dan Hayes proposed to delay the removal of floor space ratios to the second stage of the planning proposal that addressed the height issues.
"We can do this at a pace where the community's concerns are heard and addressed," he said.
"There are many months ahead for this development ... I don't want this to be stopped, delayed and not progressing anywhere further and this is a decent compromise."
Prior to this, Cr Paul Funnell attempted - and failed to gain support - to defer the entire planning proposal so that the report was discussed as a whole.
Cr Funnell did not believe the council's officers were giving him "straight answers" and, therefore, could not support the recommendation.
He said the proposal for the Morgan Street site was "a development by stealth".
Councillor Rod Kendall said he supported the recommendation laid out in the report.
He said it allowed the developer to invest money towards a "well-considered" plan that addressed the resident's concerns.
Cr Kendall said the more detail incorporated in the plan means the council will not be "flying blind" in the future.
"Growth is inevitable and we've been targeted for 100,000 (people by 2038). It's a target I'm happy with, but I want it done in a considered, thorough and correct manner," he said.
Crs Hayes, Kendall, Vanessa Keenan, Tim Koschel, Dallas Tout and Greg Conkey supported the motion, whereas Cr Funnell and Yvonne Braid voted against.