The following comments are attributed to Director Planning, Design and Development Gareth Smith:
How many residents does Council expect this development to house?
If the area proposed to be rezoned to General Residential Zone was fully developed, up to 550 dwellings would be constructed. The average household size in Drysdale is currently 2.54, equating to a forecast 1,397 residents.
Would this result in the removal of 1000 trees as claimed?
The majority of trees would be removed, other than significant vegetation set aside in municipal reserves. Indigenous trees will be planted within the open space network and the street network, as part of any future residential development.
Is there additional demand for housing in Drysdale? Can council justify this?
Drysdale (including Curlewis/Jetty Road and Clifton Springs) is a designated district town on the Bellarine, where population growth is forecast and planned.
Combined with the petrol station, which council approved, is this destroying Drysdale’s “rural character”?
The Drysdale Clifton Springs Structure Plan 2010 identifies the area for rezoning to general residential. It does not identify the area for residential character protection. The Structure Plan designates a significant amount of private land around McLeods Waterholes, Lake Lorne and to the west of the Drysdale Bypass reserve and Portarlington Road for retention of rural residential character. All these areas are located within the town’s urban settlement boundary. The petrol station on the High St/Jetty Rd entry is not related to Amendment C363.
What measures will council take to preserve Drysdale’s “rural character”?
The Drysdale Clifton Springs Structure Plan details areas of rural residential character to be retained. The rezoning proposal also provides for areas of public open space along Jetty Road and Central Road, including a green link from McLeods Waterholes to Griggs Creek.
Are developers driving this rezoning?
The Amendment was made at the request of McLeods Developments Pty Ltd. Eight of the 28 properties are owned by the land developer.
How does council and/or the developer intend to acquire the remaining land? Could council compulsorily acquire any of the properties? What if the remaining 20 property owners don’t wish to sell?
The Amendment does not include a Public Acquisition Overlay to compulsory acquire any property or properties. Landowners can continue to reside on their land, irrespective of the outcome of the Amendment C363 process. The lead developer has possession of land and agreements with adjoining landowners to begin residential development.
