General News
31 March, 2022
Council votes 6-1 to approve kennel permit
Despite still having reservations, Corangamite Shire Council voted to approve a planning permit for a dog breeding kennel in Skipton.
Despite still having reservations, Corangamite Shire Council voted to approve a planning permit for a dog breeding kennel in Skipton.
The decision was deferred at the February meeting following further questions from councillors before being approved six to one this month.
The application had previously been included in the November 2021 Ordinary Meeting of Council where it was recommended council issue a notice of refusal.
A request to amend the application was received prior to the meeting and subsequently the item was withdrawn to enable a further planning assessment to be undertaken, according to planning officer Melanie Oborne.
“Public notice of the original application was given and eight submissions objecting to the proposal were received,” she said in her report to council.
“Notice of the amended application was sent to the eight objectors. None of the objections were withdrawn and no further submissions have been received.”
Ms Oborne said council received the planning permit application which sought retrospective planning approval for the use and development of land for domestic animal husbandry (dog breeding).
She said the application sought approval to keep up to 20 bulldogs (excluding puppies) at the property.
Ms Oborne said the application was amended in November seeking to keep up to 13 bulldogs at the property.
“This application is complicated as the applicant has already been breeding dogs from the property for several years and there have been ongoing compliance issues, while the farming zone is one of few suitable zones for this type of activity,” she said.
“The amended application for the use and development of land for domestic animal husbandry (dog breeding) is supported.
“The proposed use and development for domestic animal husbandry is a suitable activity in the Farming Zone and with appropriate site and environmental management, land use compatibility can be managed and the character and nature of the surrounding area protected.”
Ms Oborne said the “continued failure” of the applicant to address statutory requirements was a concern.
“However, council must consider the planning permit application as it is proposed on its merits and any decision should be based on the information and advice received during the application process,” she said.
“Any future failure to comply with a planning permit and its conditions would be dealt with through compliance and enforcement action.”
Cr Laurie Hickey said while it was not a popular permit, he believed there were significant conditions being imposed “that would mean we have, as a council good responsibility to be able to make sure the conditions are met, and met well”.
Cr Jo Beard said it was a “tough one”
“I don’t have great confidence these conditions will be met,” she said.
“It’s been a practice thats been occurring without any oversight.
“It hasn’t been a comfortable one for me.”
Coastal Ward Cr Jamie Vogels voted against the recommendation.
“As a rural area with large areas of agricultural farm land, we need to protect that land from inappropriate development, but we also need to protect the amenity of our small townships and the people that live in the towns,” he said.
Cr Geraldine Conheady said she also found the decision difficult.
“If the permit is granted it does become a legal document,” she said.
“Any breach of non compliance will activate enforcement.
“I think the granting of the permit will lead to a better outcome for the community.”