In favour of growth

Woodend was a key focus of an independent panel's interim report on Planning Scheme Amendment C84.

Kylie Kitchen

Critical changes to a significant planning document were accepted by Macedon Ranges Council and are now open to public scrutiny. 

Council has adopted independent panel recommendations to Planning Scheme Amendment C84 for the purpose of consultation. 

The C84 document's function includes implementing the shire's settlement strategy and its plans for population and infrastructure, and reviewing the Local Planning Policy Framework.

The panel made recommendations in an interim report last September, following a hearing in June. 

The panel criticises C84 for its unsubstantiated directions.

Macedon Ranges Residents Association (MRRA) secretary, Christine Pruneau, was among those vocal about the interim report at its release last year. She said it would be a huge job for council to fix what it had gotten wrong, labelling C84 as "not policy-neutral". Ms Pruneau fears Macedon Ranges' sensitive landscape will be at risk if the document fails to make clear statements and justifications against development pressure.

Residents have the opportunity to comment on the range of changes council has accepted and considered, under the panel's interim recommendations before C84 returns to the panel for a final hearing. 

Woodend was a key focus of the report. 

Among the more significant directions is to delete a line stating no more greenfield land is required in Woodend to 2036. Another direction asks council to identify preferred and non-preferred greenfield development areas when it prepares a Woodend Structure Plan.

Developers may see opportunity in the changes. Villawood executive director, Rory Costelloe, praised the panel report last year and said that as a result, Villawood will return to council with a smaller Davies Hill proposal. 

The panel recommends a justification for Woodend's modest growth, adding reference to its rail and freeway access and its infrastructure, as well as environmental constraints and preservation needs. 

The interim report directs investigations into development to the south of both the Riddells Creek and Kyneton railway lines. 

In Romsey, the panel asks council to delete statements ruling out further rezonings, and that it qualify statements on infrastructure constraints.

It also recommends changes relating to small towns and whole-of-shire directions. 

Planning and environment director, Sophie Segafredo's report to council last week, assessed the panel's interim report.

"Amendment C84 was noted by the panel as seeking to redress the longstanding weakness in location planning policy by implementing the settlement strategy. The panel, however, also noted the difficulty of planning for an extended timeframe, and the need for ongoing monitoring, review and adjustment of planning strategy.

"The panel considers the shire's attributes, including transport and community infrastructure, creates a predisposition in favour of accommodating growth, however this is subject to the caveat that landscape and environment values are protected.

"The investment made in the development of the MRSS (Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy) by the council and the local community required Amendment C84 to proceed. By implementing the recommendations .... the significant but critical changes to Macedon Ranges LPPF (Local Planning Policy Framework) can be made and council's adopted approach to planning for growth implemented."

The changes to Amendment C84 will begin exhibition this month at council's offices and via its website. The changes will be exhibited for four weeks and will be open to feedback.