At last night's general meeting, Hornsby Shire Council endorsed progression of a Rural Lands Planning Proposal, an outcome of the Rural Lands Study (RLS), for submission to the Department of Planning and Environment approve it for public exhibition.
Finalised in June 2022, 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.
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.
Hornsby Shire Council Mayor Philip Ruddock talked about how the Planning Proposal will enhance the Shire's rural areas.
"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. 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," said Mayor Ruddock.
"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."
The planning proposal will be submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment for endorsement for public exhibition allowing residents to provide their feedback.
Also at last night's meeting Council:
- Determined that Councillors Sallianne McClelland and Janelle McIntosh would be representatives on the 2077 A.D. District Team 2023/24
- Adopted a proposal for the re-establishment and establishment of Alcohol-Free Zones for the Pennant Hills Town Centre, Hornsby Town Centre and areas within Waitara for a period of four years
- Determined to create a Draining Easement with a Positive Covenant and Restrictions on Use at 5 Beaumont Road, Mt Kuring-gai.
The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, is available at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting will be available from tomorrow afternoon.
