Plans for a new village of up to 550 homes between Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby are set to take another significant step forward, with Byron councillors being asked to back the Gulgan Village rezoning following months of public consultation.

Large residential estates tend to dominate debate about Byron Shire’s housing future, but a quieter transformation is also under way.

If approved, Gulgan Village, proposed on the highway end of The Saddle Road across 37.9 hectares, could eventually (after a development application process) house up to 1,000 people in around 550 homes, ‘depending on the housing mix’ (source: Gulgan Village Civil Engineering Report).

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Byron Shire Council has sought to ensure that at least 10 per cent of the housing in a new suburb proposed for the Shire’s north will be affordable, and remain so into the future.

With up to 1,500 new homes and commercial expansion planned for the exclusive hilltop along The Saddle Road, The Echo sought to clarify Council’s traffic plans given new roads will be needed to accommodate the proposal.