Mount Alexander Shire Council has considered further submissions regarding Harcourt’s Planning Scheme Amendment C94 ahead of the upcoming meeting of the independent planning panel set to commence on September 12.
Amendment C94malx is council’s proposed amendment to implement the recommendations of Plan Harcourt (2020) by incorporating planning policy into the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme, including the Harcourt Framework Plan.
This seeks to provide specific direction for two residential growth areas on the Harcourt Framework Plan (Area A and B); the existing areas of Harcourt by encouraging well designed infill development in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) close to houses; and well designed commercial development within the Commercial Zone with the proposed application of the Design and Development Overlay (DDO).
Council considered submissions to the amendment at its June 21, 2022 meeting but since that time an administrative error was identified by the Strategic Planning unit which resulted in an extended exhibition period and two further submissions being received from the Department of Transport (DoT) and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The DoT submission did not request any changes and commended several aspects of the DDO for its aim to ‘create a safe and active pedestrian environment and public realm through encouraging active transport links within and around the town centre’.
However, the EPA submission raised concerns about ‘potentially contaminated’ land which has been subject to activities in the Farming Zone being potentially rezoned for residential use.
The Strategic Planning unit recommended that no changes by made to the amendment document, and that the further submissions be referred directly to the planning panel.
Council agreed and opted to refer the further two submissions and any more late submissions which may be received directly on to the planning panel for consideration.
Cr Tony Cordy noted there had been an extensive community consultation process regarding the planning scheme amendment and thanked all the Harcourt residents who had taken the time to contribute.
“I am sure the planning panel will take on board all the suggestions made by the community,” he said.
“We also appreciate all the work of our planning staff, in particular Coordinator of Strategic Planning Lauren Watt who has headed this up,” he said.
Once it has considered the amendment and submissions the planning panel will prepare a report recommending how council proceed. Council will consider the recommendations, make changes and approve or reject the amendment. If council adopts the finalised amendment it will then proceed to the Planning Minister for approval.