Lake councillors to consider land clearance following review of holdings

The "for sale" sign could soon be erected on four lots owned by Lake Macquarie City Council following a review of its operational land holdings.

A tenanted residential dwelling at 17 Herbert Street in Belmont and vacant lots at Charlestown, Edgeworth and Sunshine will be brought before councillors at Tuesday night's standing committee meeting to decide whether they should be placed on the market.

The 404 square metre property at 17 Herbert Street is zoned E1 local centre and was purchased by the council in 2018 as part of a "broader land aggregation strategy" for the Belmont town centre.

"The recommendation to sell 17 Herbert Street reflects an outcome of council's ongoing review of its operational land holdings," a spokesperson for the council said.

"While the property was initially considered as part of a broader aggregation strategy, it is no longer required for that purpose and has been identified as surplus to council's operational and strategic needs.

"This does not represent a change in strategy but rather a continuation of council's regular process of reviewing land holdings to ensure they align with current priorities and deliver the best outcomes for the community."

The council owns another 27 lots in the block bordered by Edgar Street, Maude Street and Herbert Street.

Properties at 33 Herbert Street and 4 Edgar Street are the only lots not owned by the council in the block.

"The remaining council-owned properties within the block continue to be of strategic importance and are considered within the council's broader planning framework, including the Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan 2014, which guides the future development of the Belmont town centre," the spokesperson said.

The Charlestown lot at 59A Pacific Highway is a triangular-shaped corner block of vacant land of about 740 square metres and is zoned R2 low density.

The 385 square metre Edgeworth block is at 29 Arnott Street and zoned E4 general industrial and has limited development opportunities.

However, the 1,220 square metre block at 94 Sunshine Parade in Sunshine is likely to attract developer interest.

The bush block is located at the end of a cul-de-sac and is zoned R2 low-density residential.

"If council approves the sale, the properties will be divested in accordance with council's Acquisition and Divestment of Land and Easements Policy and relevant legislation," the spokesperson said.

"Typically, this involves the engagement of a suitably qualified real estate agent and sale via an appropriate method, which may include public listing or targeted marketing, depending on the property."

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