King George V Avenue: Tamworth Regional Council votes to take ownership of five roads as resident airs developer concerns

Four of the unsealed roads attached to the heritage-listed hotspot shoot off toward Calala while the last runs toward Armidale Road.

Tuesday night's vote isn't a development approval for a future link road, but resident David McKinnon stood up at the council meeting to share his concern that the decision was pushed by the motives of developers.

"It worries me that every time King George gets mentioned I have to come up here and talk, and the reason one does is there is a lot of pressure on King George Avenue - a lot of these crown reserve repossessions are prompted by developers and that disturbs me," he said.

"There is some very valuable land not far from King George Avenue.

"I want to make sure that 17,000 people who signed the petition to have it as it is now did it for that reason, it's heritage-listed and I'm well aware that is going to change and it will certainly happen if developers have their way."

A report to the council said the reason for taking on the new roads would allow for more walking, cycling and exercise tracks.

At the end of the day it just comes down to good strategic management, Cr Glenn Inglis said.

"That's all this is about, it isn't about DA's or cars, it's about securing future options and I have faith and trust in future councils to make sure whatever they decide to do with any of these crown roads will be made in conjunction with the community of the day," he said.

"It puts all of the options on the table."

As the roads provide access to more than one property, the council will be required to take on about 1.7km of additional maintenance.

Councillor Mark Rodda said he did not see any reason to impose the cost of roads to TRC without a plan for how it would enhance the road network except for some sporting or recreational activities in the future.

"I just think it's completely unfair," he said.

"Going on the concerns about the heritage listing there were several thousand petitioners that wanted the road kept as it is, notwithstanding the condition of some of those trees."

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Cr Phil Betts said the options should be left open but wanted to see King George V Avenue remain a heritage-listed item.

"I believe and always have that it should not be used as any thoroughfare from Calala into the CBD - this I believe is a separate issue," he said.

"The Calala area will be a significant growth area for Tamworth and to close off the opportunity to have networks to come through to King George V Avenue is a travesty for future generations."

The councillors voted to support the first option and take on all of the roads, which gives the council the control to make decisions with them into the future.

It has been suggested that the council could develop the parcels of land for walking, running and bike riding trails as part of the Sport and Recreation Strategic Plan.