Multi-lot development closer to fruition

A MULTI-lot development proposed for Leopold is now under council consideration following a month of submissions.

Amendment C391 proposes the rezoning of 29 hectares of farmland between 73-155 Ash Road to general residential housing.

The rezoning would apply to five neighbouring farms, while Planning Permit 39/2019 would impact two of the larger properties that have the capacity to house 195 dwellings.

The proposal is consistent with the 2016 South East Leopold Framework Plan, covering 80 hectares south of the Bellarine Highway between Ash Road and Mollers Lane.

West of the proposed site was previously located within a farming zone but was rezoned to residential housing under Amendment C280 in 2016.

To the east of the property is the Mollers Lane development area, which was rezoned in early 2020 and allows for 530 lots.

In late 2018, a traffic and transport assessment prepared by Cardno estimated an additional “5,000 vehicles per day are likely to use Ash Road, inclusive of all growth area traffic”.

The amendment prepared by the city states “the City of Greater Geelong proposes to rezone land on the eastern side of Ash Road Leopold for new residential growth”.

“The rezoning would facilitate the development of the land for residential purposes in accordance with the urban growth direction of the Leopold Structure Plan.

The amendment will allow the subject land to integrate fully with the Mollers Lane growth area to the east and the existing urban areas to the north and west.”

Some residents have called the Bellarine Distinctive Area and Landscape process, which involved consultation from the city, into question.

One Facebook user wrote: “Why then would the council approve the development in Ash Rd with a projected 195 housing lots, the loss of this precious green space and whatever critters live there?”.

Another wrote: “they need more infrastructure before they approve any more (development in the area)”.

Public submissions are now under council consideration ahead of the August 24 meeting.