Council adopted two planning scheme amendments that reduce the planning permit burden on
landowners and streamline planning scheme controls at its February Council Meeting.
“These amendments are part of a broader program aimed at reducing the complexity of planning controls in the shire,” said Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kate Hanson.
The first of the amendments was Amendment C119, which reduces the extent of land covered by the Erosion Management Overlay by approximately 7 per cent, representing over 500 properties. Areas to benefit include parts of Skenes Creek, Kennett River, Grey River and farmland at the northern edges of the Otways.
“The changes will also alter the overlay control to increase the number of development types that no longer require a planning permit, and provide increased flexibility on how the control is applied,” said Mayor Hanson. “This will particularly target straight forward proposals such as agricultural sheds.”
“The changes will assist to reduce building costs for many landowners by removing the need for engagement of geotechnical consultants in those areas where land is being excluded from the overlay and where permit requirements are made exempt.”
The second amendment was Amendment C118, which aims to reduce planning permit requirements for minor works, including specific types of advertising signs, in the Colac Commercial Centre.
The amendment adjusts the Design and Development Overlay and introduces exemptions within the Heritage Overlay for some development types that do not affect heritage values in the streetscape. Such exemptions would not apply to individually significant heritage buildings.
This amendment will increase the number of advertising signs which can be erected without a permit in Murray Street and surrounding streets.
The two amendments will be forwarded to the Planning Minister for his approval, and will not take effect until the Minister’s decision is made.
