THE NSW Government's planning nightmare has deepened, with revelations that four more large-scale Hunter developments could be jeopardised by land swap deals with developers.
The $1.8 billion Huntlee New Town development came to a screeching halt this week, with the Land and Environment Court voiding the State Government-issued approvals.
The Government is seeking urgent advice over projects worth tens of millions of dollars, which are subject to the same memorandums of understanding that have brought other developments undone.
NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally confirmed that those potentially affected were Sanctuary Villages in the Cessnock area, Wallarah Southern Estates, Minmi Newcastle Link Road and Black Hill.
Ms Keneally said none of the projects had been approved yet and each one would be examined in detail by lawyers.
She said it was too early to tell exactly where the Government stood and it would seek more advice.
The memorandums of understanding for the developments were signed by the former planning minister Frank Sartor.
Environment Court Justice David Lloyd called such deals "land bribes".
In August he tore up State Government approvals given to the Rose Group for a 600 residential lot development at Catherine Hill Bay and 187 lots in nearby Gwandalan.
He said the memorandums of understanding should not have been entered by the Government.
Ms Keneally said the four other Hunter developments had not been approved or rejected at this stage.
"No determinations have been made for these other proposals in the Hunter," she said. "These other proposals will be dealt with on a case by case basis and the Government will receive detailed advice on each in due course.
"These proposals will be dealt with under the framework of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act."
Documents on the planning website reveal details of two of the projects, including Coal & Allied's plans for a $35 million development of employment land at Black Hill. In its application, it stated the development would generate between 2000 to 2500 jobs.
The Sanctuary Villages project belongs to Hardie Holdings and includes rezoning of land at Paxton and Millfield for 700 residential lots and seven commercial lots. Its estimated capital value is $50 million.
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