General News
7 November, 2023
Waarre sub-division approved
DESPITE having concerns, Corangamite Shire councillors approved a two-lot subdivision at Eastern Creek Road at Waarre. Councillors went against the planning recommendation to refuse the application for a two-lot subdivision. In a report to council...
DESPITE having concerns, Corangamite Shire councillors approved a two-lot subdivision at Eastern Creek Road at Waarre.
Councillors went against the planning recommendation to refuse the application for a two-lot subdivision.
In a report to council, acting manager planning and building Melanie Oborne said the application sought approval for a two-lot subdivision comprising of the re-subdivision of two existing lots.
The new lots would consist of:
Lot one – 5.624 hectares which would include the existing dwelling and multiple outbuildings/farm buildings including a former dairy and effluent pond; and
Lot two – 105.77 hectares of farmland.
Ms Oborne said the subdivision was sought to facilitate the sale of the balance farmland for forestry use.
“The buyer has no need for the dwellings and other buildings on the property,” she said.
“The application states a contract of sale has been entered into, with the proposed subdivision plan designed to accommodate the needs and preferences of the purchaser.
“However, during the planning site inspection the owner informed council that they want to keep the dwelling so it may be used to provide accommodation for workers.”
Ms Oborne said the application for the re-subdivision of land, to create a rural residential lot had not been “adequately justified”.
“The proposal will result in the fragmentation of agricultural land and the creation of an isolated rural-residential use in an established farming area, leading to a permanent land use change,” she said.
“The subdivision will also lead to a concentration of rural-residential uses within the direct area, which are disconnected from agriculture and have the potential to restrict ongoing agricultural production.”
Ms Oborne said an onsite meeting with councillors and the applicants revealed the house would potentially be used for worker accommodation.
Coastal Ward councillor Jamie Vogels moved an alternate motion to approve the application.
“We are in great need of worker accommodation in the shire especially in rural areas where not everyone wants to live in town,” he said.
Cr Vogels said the planning policy needs to be “relooked at” when trees were called “agriculture”.
“I think this will provide much more economic benefit to the shire than having another derelict house on the road,” he said.
Central Ward councillor Laurie Hickey agreed and said there “is a real need for worker accommodation”.
“I know it goes against our planning scheme; but I think it’s warranted in this case,” he said.
Cr Geraldine Conheady was in mixed minds about the decision.
“In one way I don’t want this to happen. There are so many competing interests here,” she said.
“It’s really tough when I see agricultural land going out of agricultural productivity.
“I have to admit we have a dire need for worker accommodation – we need to judge each application on its merits.
“On balance, I think I agree on the alternate recommendation put forward.”
The alternate planning motion to approve the two-lot subdivision was approved unanimously.