By JESSE GRAHAM
SUBDIVISION will soon be allowed for over 200 lots in Healesville, Warburton and Yarra Junction, following last week’s Yarra Ranges Council meeting.
At their 28 October meeting, councillors discussed a proposal to lower the minimum lot size for subdivision in Low Density Residential Zones (LDRZ) from 4000 square metres – around an acre – to 2000 square metres.
For lots to be eligible for subdivision under the changes, they must meet a range of criteria, such as not being covered by the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), an Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) with risks of debris flow, among others.
However, Councillor Jim Child put forward an amendment that would allow subdivision on Warburton lots despite the town being covered by the BMO.
He said Warburton was the only township of its size covered by the overlay, which he said generated “tremendous concern” for residents, who have to meet strict criteria for building permits.
The proposed change, with Cr Child’s amendment and another by Cr Samantha Dunn exempting a number of Dandenong Ranges towns from the changes, passed unanimously.
Under the change, 120 lots in Healesville, 30 in Yarra Junction and 92 in Warburton could potentially be subdivided, if the application is approved by the council and if the lot meets all the criteria – including being connected to reticulated sewerage.
The matter had been the subject of extensive community consultation in recent months, with a special meeting held by the council on 30 September for public submissions and a mail-out to 12,400 properties, informing them of the proposed change.
Around 2500 submissions – including survey responses – were received on the matter.
A majority of online submitters in Mount Evelyn, Healesville and Yarra Junction supported the changes, while majority of submitters in locations including Monbulk, Montrose, Warburton and the hills areas excluded by Cr Dunn opposed the changes.
Written and public submissions, according to the council, were almost equally-split between supporting and opposing the changes.
Once the changes have been accepted by the Planning Minister, all decisions on subdivisions will still need approval from the council on a case-by-case basis.
The council will write to Planning Minister Matthew Guy, advising him of the council’s support for the changes, with the amendments raised at the meeting.
Councillors Jason Callanan and Andy Witlox were not present at the meeting.
