News
16 October, 2026
Fresh push to rezone land near Sutton Forest
A senior minister's office has arranged a meeting for a lobbyist as a developer pushes for land rezoning near the King's Foundation property 'Hillview' at Sutton Forest.
Minister's office arranges lobbyist meeting as developer pushes for land rezoning near the King's Foundation property 'Hillview' at Sutton Forest.
A controversial proposal for a 73-lot residential estate neighbouring His Majesty King Charles III's flagship Australian heritage project at Sutton Forest has been taken to the NSW Government after Wingecarribee Shire Council rejected the rezoning over concerns about its impact on the historic Hillview Estate, the rural landscape and essential infrastructure.
The Bald Hill Estate proposal involves land at Kater Road and 300 Exeter Road, Sutton Forest, with plans to create approximately 73 rural residential lots across about 170 hectares.
The proposed development neighbours the historic Hillview Estate, the former country residence of NSW Governors and now the flagship Australian restoration project of the King's Foundation.
The proposal was considered by the Wingecarribee Local Planning Panel on 22 July 2026, which unanimously recommended against the rezoning.
Among the reasons was the potential impact on Hillview, which is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
The panel specifically raised concerns about "the potential impacts on the rural landscape character and heritage setting of the State Heritage listed Hillview property."
It also found the proposal was inconsistent with several regional and local planning strategies, including Wingecarribee Council's adopted Local Housing Strategy 2021.
The panel raised further concerns about the availability of essential infrastructure, particularly how water and sewer services would be provided to the proposed development.
The applicant argued that Council's housing strategy needed updating and that housing projections in the draft South East and Tablelands Regional Plan 2041 were unlikely to be met.
However, the panel recommended Council undertake a comprehensive review of housing supply and population projections before determining the appropriate timing of future residential land releases.
Wingecarribee Shire Council subsequently resolved at its 19 August meeting not to support the proposal.
The developer, however, had already taken its case to the NSW Government.
Documents viewed by The Southern Wire reveal that Corio Projects Pty Ltd attended a meeting at 52 Martin Place in Sydney on 18 June 2026, arranged by the office of NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully.
The meeting involved registered lobbyist Mick Bainbridge and officials from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
The official lobbying disclosure specifically states: "This meeting was organised by the Office of Minister Scully."
Two proposed developments were discussed, including Bald Hill Estate and the Forest Lodge Integrated Seniors Living project in Sydney.
According to the Government's record, Corio Projects outlined the Bald Hill development's planning history, proposed master plan, Council's objections and wastewater servicing constraints.
The developer also advised the Department of its intention to lodge a rezoning review.
The Department identified wastewater servicing as a key issue because of potential impacts on the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment and recommended the developer consult WaterNSW.
The lobbying record does not establish whether Minister Scully personally attended the meeting or supported the proposal. The Southern Wire does not suggest any wrongdoing by any party.
The meeting took place more than a month before the Local Planning Panel's unanimous recommendation against the proposal and two months before Council formally opposed the rezoning.
The proponent has now lodged a formal application with the Department of Planning for a 'rezoning review'. As part of that review, an independent panel will be appointed to make a recommendation to the Minister for Planning as to whether the proposal should be submitted for gateway determination.
The proposal now sits with the NSW planning system, with the potential impact on the heritage setting of the King's Foundation's Hillview Estate, wastewater servicing and protection of the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment among the issues identified during earlier consideration.
The neighbouring Hillview Estate has considerable historical significance, having served as the official country residence of successive NSW Governors between 1882 and 1957.
In October 2024, King Charles III launched the King's Foundation Australia, with Hillview selected as its flagship heritage restoration project.
The foundation has secured a long-term lease over the property, which it intends to transform into a cultural and educational centre offering heritage craft workshops, guided tours and community events.
The restoration is inspired by the King's successful regeneration of Dumfries House in Scotland.
The foundation was formally presented with the keys to Hillview in April 2025 at a ceremony hosted by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.
The Southern Wire will keep readers informed on this proposed development.
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