The 22-hectare, 72-lot subdivision was granted planning permission in Indigo Shire Council’s October meeting despite strong community opposition that was shared by majority of councillors.
During the meeting, mayor Sophie Price expressed frustration that the new council had received a previous decision for a development plan that did not align with “an appetite they now have”.
Cr Price said councillors were frustrated with state planning laws that were directed towards the housing crisis but taking away important local planning considerations.
Planning manager, James Turner said new planning rules were coming out almost weekly, and the momentum of the State Government was to take less local policy into consideration.
“There’s a big push on housing and the State Government is keen to see housing as quickly as possible,” Mr Turner said.
“Slowly, the control and the influence of councils is being whittled away.”
At its September meeting, Council determined that it would have supported the application with a few changes to the subdivision layout and conditions, however developer, Halcon Rutherglen, took the application to VCAT after the council exceeded the required timeframe to make a decision.
A planning permit was issued following negotiations between the council and the developer through VCAT.
The approved development at 11 Slaughterhouse Road will deliver 72 residential lots, and public open space across the 22-hectare site.
General manager, Trevor Ierino said through the VCAT process, both parties had worked constructively to achieve an outcome they were satisfied with, including increased and relocated public open space, additional tree planting and landscaping, a redesigned layout to better protect existing native vegetation, and two new pedestrian connections to Slaughterhouse Road and Herrins Road.
The developer has two years to commence the first of the five-stage subdivision.
14°C