A proposal to rezone farming land in Leopold for a new residential development has been referred to an Independent Planning Panel by City of Greater Geelong Council.
Council last night considered the submissions received about Planning Scheme Amendment C391ggee and planning permit 39/2019.
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.
“The submissions include a mix of support and concerns around the proposal, which is why this matter is going to an independent panel for further review,” said Bellarine Ward Councillor, Jim Mason.
“I encourage community members to have their say and go before the independent panel.”
The amendment proposes to rezone five separate farming properties on Ash Road in Leopold to General Residential Zone 1, with an accompanying Design and Development Overlay.
The applicant is seeking approval to subdivide two of the larger properties into approximately 195 residential lots.
Council says it carefully assessed the application within the provisions of the planning scheme.
A Council report found the development would be consistent with the 2013 Leopold Structure Plan, which supports urban growth across the south eastern area of Leopold between Ash Road and Mollers Lane.
A traffic report also recommended that Ash Road could be widened, if required, to safely accommodate additional traffic generated by the proposed development.
“This is an open and accountable process to ensure everyone’s views can be heard,” said Deputy Mayor, Trent Sullivan.
“We appreciate everyone’s feedback and will now wait for the independent panel’s review before making a decision.”
