Go-ahead for Leopold housing plan

A 35-LOT Leopold subdivision has received a green light from council after a state planning panel backed its strategy.

City of Greater Geelong councillors last week unanimously voted to approve a planning scheme amendment for 31-49 Melaluka Road, Leopold.

The change will rezone a low-density residential zone to general residential, paving the way for the 2.5-hectare block to become 35 new homes.

The land is immediately south of the Bellarine Rail Trail and had been identified as a housing growth zone in COGG’s long-term structure plan for the town.

COGG had received 13 submissions on the subdivision plan in late 2021, related to loss of semi-rural character in the area, traffic impacts and stormwater management.

The city considered objections at a November meeting before referring the matter to a state-appointed independent planning panel.

The panel’s report that COGG received earlier this year endorsed its strategic integrity while suggesting minor amendments in response to community concerns.

Landowners will chip in $40,000 per net developable hectare of the land to a community infrastructure fund as part of the deal.

Bellarine Ward councillor Trent Sullivan said the land was well-positioned close to key services and amenities.

“These new homes will provide opportunities for families to live close to local services such as sporting clubs, shopping precincts and the Bellarine Rail Trail,” Cr Sullivan said.

“It’s not a massive rezoning, but it’s one that fits in with the long-term planning for Leopold and would be a great addition to the area.”

Meanwhile, the council also endorsed a planning scheme amendment for a 35-hectare farming property at Lovely Banks, which COGG had inadvertently omitted from a North Geelong urban growth zone.