Farm zone dwelling approved

By Lachlan Ellis

An application to develop a dwelling in Clarendon has been approved by Council with conditions, with the original recommendation from Council Planners calling for a rejection.

Council’s Planning Team argued the proposal “is inconsistent with the purpose of the Farming Zone”, and contradicted Council policy on developing rural land for residential purposes.

Two speakers addressed Council on the application: a consultant for the applicants, Leah Clark, and one of the two applicants, Tim Spicer.

Ms Clark said that her client and her company had not been approached by Council Planners to discuss any issues with the proposal.

“The site is located in what we best describe as a rural living enclave to the Clarendon area. The area is developed with single dwellings and out buildings on lots which vary between one to five hectares in size,” she said.

“The application was lodged with Council on the 13th of September, and was advertised in November of last year. Officers did not request further information, nor did we receive correspondence advising us our information was insufficient.

“We’re a little disappointed to now be facing a refusal, without being provided the opportunity to address the officers’ concerns now detailed in the grounds of refusal.”

Mr Spicer said the establishment of a dwelling would allow his family to live a more pleasant lifestyle.

“We love the property obviously, it has beautiful views. We think that we can produce a much more productive use of the land than it currently is. At the moment it’s literally sitting there, not being used. We want to take the land, we want to grow fruit, vegetables, maybe some chickens,” Mr Spicer said.

“We want to turn the land, which is currently just an empty paddock, into a beautiful family home, where we can integrate ourselves into the community by sending our kids to local schools, joining in the community in productive ways, and giving the land a more productive use.”

Cr Moira Berry asked Mr Spicer if the produce would only be for their use – in other words, non-commercial farming.

“Yes, personal use, enough to give to friends and family, but not in a production way,” Mr Spicer said.

Cr Tonia Dudzik moved an alternate motion to approve the proposal with conditions, which was seconded by Cr Paul Tatchell, with Cr Berry and Cr Ally Munari also voting in favour.

Crs Rod Ward and David Edwards were apologies at the meeting.

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in the 22 March 2022 edition
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