Shire Housing Policy

Below are portions of a few e mails between myself and the SYR in relation to the SYR Housing Policy.

The policy was discussed last night at the Council meeting and was passed, unchanged,by all 9 councillors even though 5 of the 9 "crossed the floor" last week in the matter of dual occs in Coldstream.

Councillors kept saying how much work has gone into this document and how long it had been discussed.  Sure, its a lenghty document and has taken ages to get to this point but Melbourne has changed.  Melbourne is not a place where people want to leave, it has become a place to come and live.  It is one of the fastest growing cites in the world!

Justin Madden has had to move the UGB a number of times to accomodate.  He has interveaned in a number of high rise developments in Mitcham, Doncaster and many other places.  I am sure when he sees this policy, especially, in relation to maintaining some block sizes of 1000 m2 he will laugh.

Question I sent to SYR by e mail:

I just received a letter from Damian Closs (ref: S09956) regarding the proposed planning scheme amendment.

Considering that this Housing Strategy was "shot to ribbons" in this week’s Council meeting do you think the time is right or is more discussion required.

In light of what is going on in other parts of Melbourne do you think Justin Madden or his department will accept a 1000 m2 minimum for any residential land?  The shire policy appears to be in direct opposition to the State’s policy.

Answer sent back

As you would be aware a proposed planning scheme amendment that seeks to implement aspects of the adopted Housing Strategy has been prepared for Councillors consideration.  The proposed amendment is largely based on the adopted Housing Strategy.  At this stage, the officer recommendation is for Council to seek authorisation from the MInister for Planning to prepare a planning scheme amendment. This is the first stage in the amendment process. It will be up to Council to decide whether it wants to progress the proposed Housing Amendment as recommended.

Should Council resolve to seek authorisation to prepare an amendment and an amendment is subsequently authorised and exhibited you will have an opportunity to make a submission to the amendment.

The amendment process including seeking authorisation, subsequent exhibition, consideration by Council, the panel process, further consideration by Council and ultimately consideration by the MInister for Planning all involve assessing the amendment against State and local planning policy.  The proposed controls including those relating to specific subdivision sizes in Coldstream will also be assessed through this process.

Regards
Damian Closs	Manager Strategic Planning