Dear Editor,

One of the things that concerns me is the proposed development of Holtze as a suburb with a minimum of 253 lots. To achieve this goal one can only presume that, with the Minister for Planning and his department’s support, they will permit Holtze to become a sardine suburb like Zuccoli and Northcrest.

This will please the developer and possibly the council, more profit, more rates. And the government will pat itself on the back for ‘supporting the future development of Darwin.

But what is the government allowing, houses or homes? In a place as big as the Territory why are we permitting blocks of land to be developed between 300 and 480 sqm.

If you look at the latest proposed subdivision at Northcrest, they are developing most blocks between 400 and 465sqm with a proposed building setback plan showing the house could be built 1.5m from the back fence.

So, this type of development is simply a business plan to sell as many sardine blocks as possible.

Where does this type of development fit in with tropical living, reducing the effects of climate change, suburban cooling, mental wellness?

Where’s the room for the small pool, the vegie garden, shade trees or native shrubs to attract the birds, the room to dry clothes naturally, the basketball ring, the dog or chook, parking for the boat or caravan, the outdoor area, eaves to shade the walls, a quiet space, or a place to breathe non-air-conditioned air?

There isn’t.

Developers can give these subdivisions all the smooth names they like, Sardine Waters, Sardine Heights, or Sardine Views but these are sardine subdivisions, they are made for houses, not homes.

What’s wrong with copying single dwelling blocks like in Tiwi, Leanyer and Coolalinga, where there is space?

The government and the Development Consent Authority should show leadership and say no more sardines; at least all blocks should be at least 600 to 800sqm with at least a quarter of that being back yard, for the kids’ sake.

After all there is no place like home.

Gerry Wood, Howard Springs

If you want your letter to the editor published send it to ntindependent@protonmail.com. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. We will only publish your name and suburb or town. We do reserve the right to edit the letter for length and clarity purposes. PRIVACY POLICY: You can find our privacy policy by clicking here.