The NSW Department of Housing has approved the project as part of stage two of the National Building Economic Stimulus Plan to provide more public housing in the local area. However in a bizarre twist to the announcement the owner of the property and the builder of the proposed units says he doesn’t know anything about his development being used for public housing.

Central Coast builder Kevin Bowley was very surprised when the Courier contacted him last week.

“I haven’t been approached by a buyer. At the moment I’m just building them for myself. I plan to start building as soon as I get a construction certificate from council because I’m running out of time with the DA,” Mr Bowley said.

“I’d be happy to sell it to the housing department if they want it.”

A spokesperson for Port Macquarie MP Peter Besseling has confirmed that the Lane Street project is one of a number of projects approved by the State Minister for Housing David Borger.

“It’s one of the projects that have been approved as part of the stimulus. Only people over the age of 55 years can live in these properties,” she said.

Despite all the confusion neighbours in Lane Street are unconcerned about the prospect of having public housing next door.

“I don’t think they’ll be a drama. We’re not concerned. It all depends on the type of people that are going to live there,” long time Lane Street residents Mike and Robyn McCarthy said.

“There’s people we know that have been waiting 15 years for public housing so we think it’s a good thing.”

The proposed Lane Street building site currently has a free standing house on it and an adjoining vacant block.

“The people who were renting the house moved out last week,” Mr and Mrs McCarthy said.

Neighbour Bill Crane who lives across the road in George Street said the council delivered a flyer several months ago telling residents units would be built on the site.

“I have no problem with them being used for public housing. People have to have somewhere to live,” he said. “I’ve been told that there’s going to be five units built with ramps and wide doors for aged people.”

Mr Besseling says 41 extra units costing almost $14 million will be delivered to the local community under the stimulus package.

“Much of it will provide affordable accommodation for the frail aged and people with disabilities,” he said.