Greater Geelong council has approved for a rezoning of farming land for a new residential development in Leopold.
The council approved the amendment to five farming properties on Ash Road in Leopold from General Residential Zone 1 with an accompanying design and development overlay during its meeting on Tuesday, April 26.
Under the amendment, two of the larger properties would be subdivided into about 206 residential lots.
Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the decision followed on from an independent panel appointed by the Planning Minister Richard Wynne considering 29 public submissions, after a request from council in September 2021.
“A robust and transparent planning process is important for significant planning decisions on the Bellarine,” he said.
“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.”
Greater Geelong councillor Jim Mason said a section 173 agreement required the developers to deliver affordable and social housing on site, which would be adjacent to the proposed park along Ash Road.
“Developers are required to make a contribution to community infrastructure projects within Leopold,” he said.
Public submissions related to storm water, impacts on Lake Connewarre, impacts on the surrounding area and the extent and form of the residential development.
A three-day hearing took place with the independent panel in November 2021.
The independent panel found the development was consistent with the 2013 Leopold Structure Plan, which would support 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.
Details: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/AshRoad
