Council has supported a recommendation to progress the consideration of Planning Scheme Amendment C282card and associated planning permit proposal, for the James Hicks pottery site in Officer.
Planning Scheme Amendment C282card to the Cardinia Planning Scheme is proposed by Nobelius Land Surveyors on behalf of James Hicks Pottery Site Pty Ltd and seeks to permit an office space at the James Hicks pottery site in Officer, also known as the Officer Kiln site.
The amendment, if authorised by the Minister for Planning, forms part of a proposed development plan for the site that includes the transformation of an unused space with an existing heritage building, into a commercial hub featuring an office, cafe, restaurant/wine bar, and car park. The proposal seeks to create a space with greater social, economic, and sustainable benefits for the region, while paying homage to the site's heritage.
Historically this location has been associated with the manufacturing of terracotta building materials as part of James Hicks Pty Ltd Pipe and Bricks Works. The notable brick kiln, chimney structures and disused clay pit, identifiable from the highway, are elements proposed to be incorporated in the future development.
Council will now seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C282card, and if supported, will exhibit the planning permit application and proposed amendment together.
During the exhibition period, community will be invited to provide submissions on both the proposed amendment and the planning permit for the proposed development. Council would then consider any submissions before finalising the amendment or referring the submissions to an independent Planning Panel if the submissions are unresolved.
If a Planning Panel is appointed, the submitters will have further opportunity to be heard, and an independent report will be provided to both Council and Minister for Planning. Based on the report, Council will make a decision on the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment, before the Minister for Planning makes the final decision on the proposal.
