Owners want to turn helipad site into housing

First, it was a weekend retreat in Merriwa with hopes of a private helipad.

That caused community outrage.

Now that plan has changed to a big sub-division 6 King George the Fifth Avenue.

Upper Hunter Shire Council has received an application from Sydney couple John and Isabella McFadden to turn their two adjoining lots into 16 separate blocks.

Locals have until January 30 to make comment on the proposal.