Lara in housing bid win

Alex de Vos
A controversially proposed subdivision near Lara’s Serendip Sanctuary could go ahead after Geelong’s council approved a new plan guiding release of residential land around the town.
Councillors backed the plan despite years of community opposition to the 280-home subdivision and its failure to win inclusion in an earlier planning guideline for Lara.
Developer Richard Bisinella welcomed the decision, which paved the way for Sanctuary Views estate.
Mr Bisinella said he was pleased councillors had delivered on their predecessors’ commitment to review Lara’s structure plan for a second time in two years.
Cr Andrew Katos, who holds council’s planning portfolio, said the plan allowed for residential growth and expansion of Lara’s town centre.
Residents could make submissions on the proposed planning scheme amendment while it was on public exhibition, he said.