What should we expect in the new planning scheme... areas for urban expansion? more rural residential? some industry and commercial projects no longer needing approvals.
Yes, and much more!
There will be many additional opportunities but the new scheme but will be very different than the current four schemes it will replace. It will be in the State-mandated standard format which is intended to improve consistency throughout Queensland.
Here is a glimpse:
- a renewed emphasis on strategic policy...statements of council's broad views about the future Bundaberg Region, hopefully making this clearer than the 'Desired environmental outcomes' in the current schemes;
- a generous urban footprint that will allow more flexibility for the market to choose timing and location of urban expansion;
- a generous allocation of rural residential land but also some flexibility for other sites that are well-situated but not in the Rural Residential Zone;
- using the standard definitions (i.e. the landuse definitions will be consistent throughout Queensland);
- planning scheme codes that are more realistic for Bundaberg market conditions;
- certain industry activities to be self-assessable in the industrial areas...these are low-risk development projects that would no longer need approval if complying with the scheme codes;
- business activities to be exempt or self-assessable in the various centres in some circumstances...again, low-risk projects;
- dual occupancies - self-assessable in the Low density residential zone;
- two local plans - for Kalkie-Ashfield and one for the 'Central coastal urban growth area'
- overlays maps...many will be those published in the SPP interactive mapping;
- greater use of technology - the Council's interactive mapping system shows the zoning and overlay maps for the entire Bundaberg Region and a comprehensive report for each property is downloadable.
Bundaberg Regional Council commences a generous 10-week consultation period from 22 September 2014 until 28 November 2014. This is important for the future development, growth and prosperity of the Bundaberg Region and it therefore deserves comprehensive and genuine stakeholder engagement.
The planning team at InsiteSJC is ready to review the opportunities and implications for our clients and broader development community. We are well-positioned to help you interpret and respond to the new scheme...several senior planning team members have been involved in other planning schemes and we are very familiar with the development context here. We regularly use the current planning schemes, the Wide Bay Burnett regional plan, the SPP mapping, and have been involved with the development of the new plan as UDIA representatives.
Phone now on 07 4151-6677 for a free preliminary phone consultation to find out how we can help you.