Last year saw the highest number of dwelling approvals in a decade and Uralla Council hopes to see the trend continue in 2015.

Twenty-nine dwellings were approved in the town last year, and while the figure might not sound large, Uralla Council’s manager of town planning and regulation Elizabeth Cumming said it was considerable amount for the size of the town.

“We think that’s really positive,” Ms Cumming said.

“Rentals are exhausted here in Uralla, so people are looking to either build or buy. 

“Already for the month of January we have five – which is a good start.

“We also have a 60-lot subdivision application.”

It is hoped the subdivision will be approved by March.

Ms Cumming said the comparison between the estimate valued of approvals January 2014 and last month was also encouraging.

Last year the total figure for the month was $54,800 which was dwarfed by last month’s total estimated value of $751,000

Uralla mayor Michael Pearce said there were a number of social benefits to the town, making it a massive drawcard to potential home owners and developers.

“We’re a safe place to live,” Cr Pearce said.

“And being a Zero Net Energy Town is a big carrot to hang over people.

“There are virtually blocks all over the place so there is room for everyone to have their bit of land.”