City of Greater Geelong Councillors last night endorsed a submission to the Minister for Planning regarding a proposed planning scheme amendment.
The submission is responding to a request from the Director of Housing that the Minister for Planning prepare a planning scheme amendment relating to two precincts in Norlane.
Planning portfolio holder Cr Andrew Katos said that the Amendment would replace the existing overlays on these sites with a new Development Plan Overlay.
“If the Development Plan Overlay is approved, the Minister for Planning will be made the Responsible Authority for the two precincts.”
“Subsequently, any planning permit applications made for development in either of the precincts will be exempt from third party notice and review rights,” Cr Katos said.
Corio Ward Cr Kylie Fisher said the proposed Planning Amendment was open for public submissions until 27 August.
“We will be preparing a submission to the DPCD agreeing with the concept and design objective,” she said.
“However, we will also be advocating Council’s increased involvement in development of these precincts.”
“Our support of the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment is subject to a number of provisions that we believe will benefit the community,” said Cr Fisher.
The provisions include:
- The height of residential development being limited to two storeys throughout the precincts
- The proposed density within the precincts being decreased
- Further public notification and the development of a community strategy involving all occupiers within the precincts and owner/occupiers outside the precincts
- An Advisory Committee being established to hear all the submissions made to this amendment
- All future planning permit applications within the precincts being referred to Council for comment
“These provisions are necessary to ensure future developments in the two precincts are sustainable and practical,” Cr Kylie Fisher said.