Signature Gardens Retirement Resorts Pty Ltd wants to build 201 two-bedroom homes, 20 serviced apartments and an 80-bed hospice on 43 hectares at the intersection of Oakey Creek and Marrowbone roads, Pokolbin.
Spokesman for Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association and owner of Hillside Vineyard Matt Cowley said the proposal is against the wishes of the community and Cessnock City Council and is planned for an area with no town water or sewerage and roads already in dire need of repair.
"This was done with ministerial approval in the last days of the previous State Labor Government cutting out council, residents and businesses from being able to object," he said.
Insite Planning director (planners for the development) Stephen Leathley said a site compatibility certificate was granted in January and a development application lodged with the council. It will be advertised and later determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel.
He said an "independent expert report" said the site is "not too suitable" for viticulture production. Mr Leathley said it is in the urban catchment area, not the vineyards catchment area and will have sustainability as a core objective.
Mr Cowley described the project as a "massive incursion" into the valley's wine growing region and does not align with other land use.
He is waiting to hear from Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard after requesting a meeting.
"Winemakers who border the development will come under scrutiny from the residents with the use of chemicals and noise.
"Vineyards are a 24/7 industry and tractors, trucks, loaders and forklifts running all hours," Mr Cowley said.
"This development would more than double Pokolbin's population in a tiny pocket that is one of the gateways to the beautiful Hunter Valley vineyard area.
He said the wine industry association, Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism board and most Pokolbin residents oppose the development.
"Cessnock council is opposed to the development and has rejected it three times since 2006," he said.
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