The Greater Bendigo City Council has voted to add the Strathfieldsaye Urban Design Framework (UDF) to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, with minor changes recommended by an Independent Panel.
The Planning Scheme Amendment will now be sent to the Minister for Planning for approval. This is the final step in the process to adopt and add the Strathfieldsaye UDF to the Planning Scheme. Once it is part of the Planning Scheme, it will apply to all relevant development within the boundaries of the UDF's defined area.
The panel considered 12 submissions raised as part of the Planning Scheme Amendment process. It recommended a minor administrative addition to the Amendment for clarity and supported minor changes to the exhibited Amendment made by the City of Greater Bendigo in response to submissions.
The Panel also stated that the Amendment would provide a framework to effectively guide Strathfieldsaye's growth in the future.
City Director Strategy and Growth Bernie O'Sullivan said the community had provided extensive and much needed input throughout the process.
"Once the Strathfieldsaye UDF is in the Planning Scheme it will make it clearer for the community to understand the desired development for the local area," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"Strathfieldsaye's population is expected to grow to approximately 13,000 by 2036 and this Planning Scheme Amendment will ensure that the town develops in the way the community wants."
The Amendment includes new Design and Development Overlays to provide guidance for development in the town centre, adjoining residential areas and town entrances to protect character and achieve other outcomes identified as important by the community. The Design and Development Overlays will also help to better plan for on-site wastewater systems and development on private properties adjoining the Greater Bendigo National Park.
Rezonings that are included in the Amendment are:
- Commercial 1 Zone land on the south side of Wellington Street to become Mixed Use Zone
- Land owned by the Anglican Church in Wellington Street and Coliban Water in Tannery Lane to become General Residential Zone
- Rezoning 17 parcels of Council owned land to Public Park and Recreation Zone
You can find a copy of the Strathfieldsaye UDF on the City's website https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/strathfieldsayeUDF
