Surf Coast Shire Council has decided it is not satisfied with the amended Comprehensive Development Plan for The Sands Estate in Torquay.
Council considered the planning application at the August Council meeting, following an extensive consultation period which attracted 169 submissions – all of which opposed the plan.
A detailed assessment found that the amended plan did not adequately protect the environment including native vegetation; manage bushfire and stormwater risks; or fit with the original approved plan for The Sands, known as the Golden Beach Concept Plan.
A key community concern was the proposal to extend and add new housing precincts, impacting the likes of amenity, biodiversity, traffic and open space.
Mayor Libby Stapleton said the modest housing benefit would not outweigh the environmental, native vegetation and safety concerns, in an area affected by bushfire risk.
"Thank you to the community members who took the time to make a submission, and to everyone who attended our information session to stay across this process," she said.
"Our Planning team did an exceptional job to review a huge amount of technical information and put together a comprehensive report for us to consider.
"Overall, our decision supports the long-term sustainability goals of the Surf Coast Planning Scheme by prioritising the protection of environmental values, biodiversity, community safety, and water quality."
The assessment of two stormwater management plans included an independent peer review.
It found that the proposal did not demonstrate that stormwater runoff from new development would be prevented from entering the Karaaf Wetlands, and that runoff was expected to increase.
"We're committed to helping restore the health of the Karaaf and reducing stormwater flows," Mayor Stapleton said.
"The proposed increased residential development in the estate does not show us clearly enough that environmental impacts on the Karaaf can be avoided or reduced to a level that's acceptable."
There are two other planning applications relating to The Sands Estate. Both applications will now be assessed against the requirements of the existing Comprehensive Development Plan, approved in 2019.
