The City of Greater Geelong will seek community feedback on a proposed planning amendment and permit application for a residential subdivision on Ash Road, Leopold.
During their Tuesday 8 September meeting, councillors approved the preparation and public exhibition of Amendment C391ggee and Planning Permit 39/2019.
This would see five separately owned farming properties on Ash Road rezoned to General Residential Zone 1, with an accompanying Design and Development Overlay.
The rezoning would apply to all five properties, while the planning permit would only apply to two of the larger, centrally located properties. These two properties would have capacity for approximately 195 residential lots.
A report considered by the Council on Tuesday night noted that development of the land as a residential area is in line with the 2013 Leopold Structure Plan.
It is also consistent with the 2016 South East Leopold Framework Plan, which specifically covers 80 hectares south of the Bellarine Highway between Ash Road and Mollers Lane.
Land on the Mollers Lane side of the area was rezoned earlier this year.
The report to councillors noted the proposed development may require a separate application to the Commonwealth Government, given stormwater drainage would flow into Lake Connewarre and require careful management.
Council has also given the go ahead for the preparation of a section 173 agreement, which would ensure delivery of key infrastructure such as open space and drainage reserves, and developer contributions for community infrastructure, should the plans ultimately gain approval.
The proposed amendment and planning permit are expected to be open for community feedback late in 2020 or early in 2021.
The proposal and public submissions will then come back before the Council for a decision, or referral to an independent panel.
Councillor Trent Sullivan, Chair, Planning portfolio:
Development on the Bellarine has been a hot topic for some time now, but Leopold residents I’ve spoken to so far regarding this subdivision have been positive about it.
A final decision will be made by the Council at a later date, once all community feedback has been received and considered.
