City plan to cut red tape for community enterprise

NORLANE Community Initiatives (NCI) is seeking planning permission for an expansion of its community services.

The neighbourhood non-profit has temporarily moved from its home at Spruhan Avenue, Norlane while it works with the City of Greater Geelong on a planning change to allow a redevelopment of its home.

The site is owned by the Baptist Union of Victoria, and would require the city to remove restrictive covenants applied to the site and change its land use from a place of worship to a more general place of assembly.

Current planning rules only allow one dwelling to built on the site, which would prevent NCI’s proposed expansion.

The community group wants to build a single-storey extension with a car park, pergola, children’s play area and water tanks to support its range of support initiatives, which include neighbourhood meals, a community pantry, craft and gardening groups, and Sunday congregation services.

The city said its proposed changes “intended to facilitate certainty for NCI’s operations and the local community, without detracting from the character of the area”.

Windermere Ward councillor Anthony Aitken, who represents the Norlane community, said he was confident the change would be a win for all community members if approved.

“Norlane Community Initiatives is a local self-help community organisation and this proposed planning amendment will enable it to continue delivery of its unique model,” Cr Aitken said.

“I congratulate the City Planning Officers for developing a clever and creative amendment which will support Norlane Community Initiatives and ultimately benefit the broader Norlane community if adopted.”

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said the council would notify affected landholders and occupiers of the idea and encouraged resident to have their say.

“I encourage community members to read through the proposed amendment and planning permit when they’re exhibited for four weeks and make a submission,” he said.

The city indicated it would prepare and exhibit a proposed planning scheme amendment that would enable the changes.