Hornsby Shire Council has endorsed the progression of a Rural Lands Planning Proposal aimed at protecting and enhancing local rural lands.
Finalised in June last year, Council’s Rural Lands Study sets the strategic direction for managing rural lands into the future and aims to protect and enhance rural values. Key principles include retaining and enhancing productive land uses, encouraging uses that support rural activities, limiting further fragmentation of rural land and planning for rural villages as places that support the rural area.
“Hornsby Shire’s beautiful rural areas comprise a significant portion of the Shire, extending from Glenhaven in the south, Berowra Waters in the east, Wisemans Ferry in the north and Old Northern Road to the west,” said Mayor, Philip Ruddock.
“Each of our rural communities have specific needs and aspirations which need to be met to ensure they thrive and grow into the future and their unique characteristics are maintained.
“This Planning Proposal will put mechanisms in place to protect what we love about our rural areas while allowing for innovation and improved tourism opportunities, ensuring strong rural economies,” he said.
The RLS makes detailed recommendations which are to be implemented in stages. The Planning Proposal seeks to implement short term recommendations of the Study which would progress five changes to planning controls.
The changes seek to support agricultural and tourism industries in rural areas, minimise potential land use conflict, maintain rural character by clarifying controls for attached dual occupancies and enhance opportunities for roadside stalls by allowing the selling of produce and hand-crafted goods from the region.
The planning proposal will be submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment for endorsement for public exhibition allowing residents to provide their feedback.
