The townhouses are planned to be built in Harris Road. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A local farmer who planned to build affordable housing near the Griffith CBD is hopeful the “desperately needed” project can proceed despite a court challenge over soil quality that has halted construction.
In November 2025, Griffith City Council approved a development application (DA) for Lynda Franks’ self-managed super fund, Zalt Real Estate Pty Ltd. The $2.7 million project at 10-12 Harris Road includes 10 two-bedroom townhouses and 17 carparking spaces.
However, neighbouring businesses Collier & Miller and ICI Industries, which owns Irribiz, launched proceedings in the Land and Environment Court to challenge the approval.
Court documents obtained by Region show the applicants allege Griffith City Council failed to check the soil for contamination to ensure the land was safe for residential use. Because this check is required under planning laws, the businesses claim the approval is “invalid”.
At a hearing on Friday (24 April), the court suspended the DA pending a preliminary site investigation report on soil quality. Testing is currently being commissioned, and the suspension may be lifted depending on the results.
Collier & Miller also claims a residential block would clash with the street’s character. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Franks says the delay will cost her a lot of money, but says the town will suffer if the project doesn’t move forward.
“Affordable housing is desperately needed in this town,” she said.
“These townhouses will be filled with young working people who will contribute to the Griffith economy.
“Young people moving to Griffith are forced to pay huge rents to live in big houses away from town because we don’t have this sort of accommodation.
“This development is what we need. They’re walking distance to Coles and all the shops.”
Ms Franks said she was grateful for the support from Griffith Council through the process.
When the DA was originally considered by the council, Collier & Miller lodged a submission objecting to the project. The company stated it understood the need for more housing in Griffith but believed the development was in the “wrong location”. The longstanding business argued that tenants would be exposed to industrial noise, the residential development conflicted with the area’s industrial character, and traffic posed safety risks. There were also concerns the development could limit the future expansion of Collier & Miller.
Notably, these specific concerns regarding noise and traffic were not raised in the formal court challenge, which focused strictly on land quality.
The site of the proposed townhouses is zoned as Mixed Use, which allows for both residential and industrial development.
The matter will return to the Land and Environment Court in June.
