Matt Hewson
Community submissions concerning the South Geelong Urban Design Framework (UDF) will go to an independent panel for consideration.
On Tuesday Geelong council voted to request Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny appoint an independent review panel, which is expected to convene in October.
Public exhibition of AmendmentC432ggee, which will implement the South Geelong UDF into the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme, was conducted by the City between April 5 and May 13 this year.
Chair of the City Planning and Heritage portfolio Jim Mason said notice was sent out to more than 2500 owners and occupiers who were either directly impacted by the amendment or were nearby residents.
The City received 51 submissions, with 17 in support, 32 objecting or requesting changes and two providing comments only.
Cr Mason said all submissions had been given “careful consideration”
“The key issues raised include the proposed public acquisition overlay on properties adjacent to Lamb Place to facilitate the widening of Lamb Place, proposed heritage overlay controls and desired built form outcomes for both key development areas,” he said.
“As a result of the feedback, the City recommends some changes to the design and development overlays, residential growth zone schedule 4 and local policy, the rezoning of 263 Yarra Street and the removal of 262 Bellerine Street from the proposed heritage overlay.
“So again, we’ve reached a balanced approach to development in South Geelong that will help to achieve not only the city’s housing needs but the expectations the community has for how they want their suburb to develop.”
Despite some objections, the South Geelong framework has so far progressed smoothly, particularly in comparison to the drawn-out process around the North Pakington precinct UDF.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj said he felt “some trepidation” about supporting the framework given previous attempts to get UDFs implemented.
“I have seen how the community has responded once we adopted a report such as this, particularly the extent of this one, and we saw it with Pakington Street,” Cr Kontelj said.
“But I must admit, I’ve not had one resident call me about the whole report. Over probably 18 months now, I haven’t spoken to anyone that’s expressed any concern.”
