A proposal to rezone farming land in Leopold for a new residential development has been adopted by City of Greater Geelong Council, following a recommendation from an independent panel of planning experts.
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.
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.
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.
The independent panel 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.
The panel recommended that Council adopt a planning permit and the amendment with one change to the Design and Development Overlay.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan
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.
We appreciate everyone's feedback and the time taken by the independent panel to consider all the issues raised.
Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason AM
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.
Members of the public were given the opportunity to provide feedback from Thursday 27 May to Monday 28 June 2021.
