The property developer has applied to NSW Planning to increase the number of homes at its planned Calderwood Valley community from 4,800 to up to 7,000 including independent living units and aged care facilities, potentially in the north-east corner of the 700ha site.

Calderwood is the first master-planned community for the Illawarra region. Whilst a concept plan was approved for an urban development at Calderwood in 2010  Lendlease’s general manager, Communities NSW/ACT Arthur Ilias said  they had to modify it to better reflect the current needs of locals.

He added that the modification, which is the result of thorough consultation with government agencies, councils and the community does not change the development footprint of the current concept plan but will create more affordable homes and deliver greater diversity in the housing options available to the local community.

This will also provide further opportunities for first home buyers as well as downsizers who wish to stay in the area.

The modification to the Calderwood Concept Plan is on public exhibition until October 11.

The number of people aged over 65 in the Wollongong area is expected to increase by over 9,000 or 27.9% by 2026.