Council News - Nillumbik Ratepayers Association

Question to Council 27 April 2011 re Small Lots

posted May 26, 2011 7:24 PM by . Editor [ updated May 26, 2011 7:28 PM ]

Question

'ls it correct that a small lot is a lot under the minimum zone lot size

under the current planning provisions?'

Answer

Within the Nillumbik Planning Scheme at present, the expired interim policy

Clause 22.03'Residential use and development on small lots in Green Wedge

areas' describes small lots as those under the minimum subdivision size. As

stated, this policy is expired and has no force or effect. Additionally, this

definition was developed for the purpose of that policy, and it will not

necessarily form the basis for future deliberations regarding the discouragement

of rural residential development in Green Wedge areas.

It is thus not accurate to state that all lots under the minimum subdivision size

will be discouraged from further residential development, as this is yet to be

determined.

As stated in the letter dated 24 March 2011 from the Mayor Helen Coleman to

the Nillumbik Ratepayers Association, Council has not made a decision as to

what size constitutes a 'small lot' for the purpose of discouraging future rural

residential development. lnstead, it has resolved to undertake further

investigation into this complex issue to inform its consideration of a policy

response. Part of this consideration will include deliberations on the definition of

what constitutes a'small lot'.

The relevant action in relation to this matter adopted by Council as part of the

Green Wedge Management Plan is:

PCl.1 Prepare a concise paper on small lot development to recommend

actions to discourage the further rural residential development of small

lots in the green wedge. lt witt clarify the extent of the small lot

developmenf issue in the green wedge. tt wilt be prepared in the context

of the findings of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royat Commission and the

inquiry into sustainable development of agiculture in outer suburban

Melbourne.

lf you have any further questions in relation to this matter, please contact me on

the number above, or at Ransce.salan@nillumbik.vic.qov.au

Questions to Council 22nd March 2011 re: Small Lots

posted Apr 3, 2011 8:07 PM by . Editor [ updated Apr 13, 2011 10:43 PM ]

Question
lt is proposed that the definition of a small lot, is a lot under the minimum subdivisional size for lots in that zone, and 81% of lots as stated in the Green Wedge Management Plan this will affect over outside the UGB are already under the zone size does Council agree that this change will affect all 81% of these lots?’
Answer
The relevant action adopted by Council as part of the Green Wedge Management Plan is:

PC1.1 Prepare a concise paper on small lot development to recommend actions to discourage the further rural residential development of small lots in the green Wedge. lt will clarify the extent of the small lot development issue in the green wedge. It will be prepared in the context of the findings of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and the inquiry into sustainable development of agriculture in outer suburban Melbourne.

Council has not made a decision as to what size constitutes a ‘small lot’. Instead, it has resolved to undertake further investigation into this complex issue to inform its consideration of a policy response. Part of this consideration will include deliberations on the definition what constitutes a ‘small lot’.

The figures that you have quoted in your question pertain to the minimum subdivision sizes currently within the Nillumbik Green Wedge. It is not accurate to state that all lots under the minimum subdivision size will be discouraged from further residential development, as this is yet to be determined.

Until Council has received this further paper and considered the issue of small lot development, it is not accurate to say to that GWMP will impact on 81% of properties in the Nillumbik Green Wedge.

Question
The VBRC recommendation 39 states “...restricting development in the areas of highest bushire risk Why is Council proposing to use the blanket restriction of zone sizes to be used for the development of one house on a lot, when neither the State Government or the VBRC have made such a recommendation?’

Answer

As per my answer above, Council is not proposing to use the minimum subdivision sizes under the current zone as a blanket restriction. Nor is it proposing to introduce a ‘one house on a lot’ policy; such a policy is already in place within green wedge areas around metropolitan Melbourne, and in certain zones already within the Victoria Planning Provisions. These policies and zones were introduced by the State Government.

Council will have regard to all of the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission, and the State Government’s response to implementation, in formulating land use settlement policies, to ensure that public safety remains at the forefront of its decision making in regards to the location of future housing.

Yours sincerely
Cr Helen Coleman Mayor

Question to Council 22nd March 2011

Question

It is proposed that the definition of a small lot is a lot under the minimum zone lot size as stated in the Green Wedge Management Plan and does Council agree that this will affect 81% or more than 3,000 rural properties?’
Answer
The relevant action adopted by Council as part of the Green Wedge Management Plan (GWMP) is:

PC1.1 Prepare a concise paper on small lot development to recommend actions to discourage the further rural residential development of small lots in the green Wedge. It will clarify the extent of the small lot development issue in the green Wedge. lt Will be prepared in the context of the findings of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and the inquiry into sustainable development of agriculture in outer suburban Melbourne.

Council has not made a decision as to what size constitutes a ‘small lot’. Instead, it has resolved to undeitake further investigation into this complex issue to inform its consideration of a policy response. Part of this consideration will include deliberations on the definition what constitutes a ‘small lot’.

The figures that you have quoted in your question pertain to the minimum subdivision sizes currently within the Nillumbik Green Wedge. It is not accurate to state that all lots under the minimum subdivision size will be discouraged from further residential development, as this is yet to be determined.

Until Council has received this further paper and considered the issue of small lot development, it is not accurate to say to that the GWMP will impact on 81 per cent of properties in the Nillumbik Green Wedge.

Yours sincerely
Cr Helen Coleman Mayor

Horse riders in Nillumbik not feeling the love

posted Jan 20, 2011 3:21 AM by . Editor [ updated Jan 20, 2011 3:31 AM ]

Diamond Valley Leader 20 JAN 2011

Horse riders in Nillumbik are beginning to feel unwelcome in the shire. The Nillumbik Council has recently put together a draft plan significantly reducing the number of safe riding trails available for trail riding. Horse riding is a very popular interest and sport in the Nillumbik shire for both adults and children.

Link

Council Meeting 23 Nov 2010

posted Nov 22, 2010 9:39 PM by . Editor [ updated Nov 26, 2010 9:53 PM ]

A report to ask the Minister for Planning to change the 10/30 rule so it doesn't cover townships was passed with an amendment by Cr. Lewis Brock added to exclude Hurstbridge.