Leopold land rezoned for 206 houses

THE City of Greater Geelong will press ahead with its plan to rezone land in Leopold to allow 206 houses to be built after receiving approval from an independent planning panel.

Five farming properties on Ash Road will be rezoned to General Residential Zone 1, with an accompanying Design and Development Overlay.

The city first exhibited Amendment C391 and draft planning permit in May and June 2021 and received 29 written submissions on issues including storm water, impacts on Lake Connewarre, impacts on the surrounding area, the extent of residential development and the form of development.

The council then referred the submissions to an independent planning panel, which found the development was consistent with the 2013 Leopold Structure Plan, which supports urban growth across the south east area of Leopold between Ash Road and Mollers Lane.

The panel recommended the council adopt a planning permit and the amendment with one change to the Design and Development Overlay.

Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said a robust and transparent planning process is important for significant planning decisions on the Bellarine.

“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.”

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said a Section 173 Agreement required the developers to deliver social and affordable housing on site, next to the proposed one-hectare park along Ash Road.

“Developers are required to make a contribution to community infrastructure projects within Leopold.”

Under the Section 173 agreement, the landowners must deliver infrastructure when the land is developed including the open space, drainage basins, roundabout, extension to the signalled intersection at Ash Road and the Bellarine Highway, and two connector roads.

The agreement also requires the landowners to pay the city a community infrastructure contribution of $40,000 per net developable hectare when the land is subdivided, which the city is obliged to spend on community facilities within the Leopold area.

A separate Section 173 agreement with the developers of the permit land will provide for a social and affordable housing contribution on site, adjacent to the proposed one-hectare park along Ash Road.

This will be offered as an affordable housing option on site with a five per cent contribution of total dwellings provided at a 25 per cent discount on the market value, being offered first to the Geelong Housing Trust, secondly to a registered housing association or thirdly direct to the market.