Norlane community hub plan progressing

NORTHERN Geelong enterprise Norlane Community Initiatives (NCI) is seeking final approval for plans for an expansion of its Spruhan Avenue home.

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising a proposed planning scheme amendment and development application at 4-8 Spruhan Avenue.

NCI wants to build an extension at its current home that would include a car park, pergola, children’s play area water tanks to support its range of programs.

The non-profit organisation runs community events such as neighbourhood meals, a community pantry, craft and gardening groups, and Sunday congregation services.

The Norlane property requires a planning change due to restrictive covenants applied to the property from its former use as a Baptist church before the expansion can proceed.

The City of Greater Geelong gave its approval to the planned construction in October last year.

“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,” Windermere Ward councillor Anthony 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.”

Public exhibition of the amendment closes on March 13.