By PETER DOUGLAS
YARRA Ranges ratepayers will be soon asked to comment on an amendment to the shire’s Planning Scheme, which is designed to streamline the scheme’s use.
In what some councillors believe are the most important changes to the scheme in more than a decade, residents are being encouraged to provide feedback on Amendment C148.
Key changes to the scheme include a deletion of eight local planning policies, which will become redundant in the face of new policy guidelines.
Also, the amendment will include a revised Municipal Strategic Statement which, council believes, will provide clearer strategic direction.
At the 14 July meeting, there was some division among councillors regarding the timing of the release of the amendment to consultation stage.
Councillors Noel Cliff, Mike Clarke and Len Cox all voiced some concern, citing issues about its effect on the Regional Strategy Plan.
There were also fears the change could result in dwellings being built on lots, where not previously possible.
However, Cr Jim Child believed the timing was right.
“Now is the time we have to go to the people,” Cr Child said.
“This is a process we’ve committed to since 2012.”
Mayor Maria McCarthy supported this enthusiasm.
“These are some of the most significant changes in 15 years, and will make the scheme simpler and easier for people to find what planning controls affected them,” Cr McCarthy said.
“We want our Planning Scheme to be clearer and more transparent for our community.
“We don’t want an outdated Planning Scheme.”
The Planning Scheme essentially sets out policies for the use and development of land.
While, Amendment C148 proposes a new approach when assessing permits involving native vegetation in Green Wedge zones.
Council voted to get authorisation for the Minister for Planning to prepare the amendment and exhibit it for two months and seek community feedback.
More information on the proposed changes will soon be available at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au or contact Strategic Planning on 1300 368 333.
