A proposal to rezone farming land in Leopold for a new residential development has been adopted by City of Greater Geelong Council.
The amendment will result in five farming properties on Ash Road in Leopold being rezoned to General Residential Zone 1, with an accompanying Design and Development Overlay.
Two of the larger properties will be subdivided into approximately 206 residential lots, Council said in a statement today.
“In September 2021, Council requested that all 29 public submissions on the planning amendment and permit be considered by an Independent Panel appointed by the Minister for Planning,” it said.
The submissions related to storm water, impacts on Lake Connewarre, impacts on the surrounding area, and the extent and form of the residential development.
Submitters were given the opportunity to be heard by an independent panel of experts during a three-day hearing in November 2021.
An independent panel of planning experts found the development was consistent with the 2013 Leopold Structure Plan, which supports urban growth across the south east area of Leopold between Ash Road and Mollers Lane.
Bellarine Ward Councillor, Jim Mason AM said a Section 173 Agreement requires the developers to deliver social and affordable housing on site, adjacent to the proposed one-hectare park along Ash Road.
“Developers are required to make a contribution to community infrastructure projects within Leopold,” he said.
The independent panel recommended that Council adopt a planning permit and the amendment with one change to the Design and Development Overlay.
“A robust and transparent planning process is important for significant planning decisions on the Bellarine. This was an open and accountable process to ensure everyone’s views could be heard,” said Deputy Mayor, Trent Sullivan.
“We appreciate everyone’s feedback and the time taken by the independent panel to consider all the issues raised.”
More information on the proposal is available here:
Amendment C391ggee – Ash Road (East),Leopold | Have Your Say (geelongaustralia.com.au)