By Casey Neill
Yarra Ranges Council has taken a step towards new guidelines for development in Coldstream.
At their Tuesday 28 August meeting, councillors agreed to seek permission from the Planning Minister to consult the community on a proposed planning scheme amendment.
Councillor Fiona McAllister said the amendment would balance Coldstream’s needs – revitalisation to boost the local economy and preservation of the valley.
The amendment would rezone two areas to manage land use on sites near the Maroondah Highway and Killara Road/Station Street intersection.
Where commercial land sits nearby agricultural land, a design and development overlay would guide the design of new buildings in terms of heights, distances from roads and landscaping.
The amendment would also create a new design and development overlay to allow some limited subdivision opportunities for properties that border Cheviot Park, Melrose Reserve and Glenhurst Park.
The idea is that any new dwellings created would need to face the parkland areas, allowing the community to watch over the parks to improve safety and encourage use.
The proposed amendment stems from the Coldstream Structure Plan, which the council adopted in April 2016 following community consultation.
It includes a guide for future land use, development, urban design, vehicle and pedestrian movement, and capital works in the Coldstream town centre, residential areas and green wedge land.
At the meeting, councillors also accepted a report on the Coldstream Structure Plan’s progress.
Cr McAllister said the council was engaging with VicRoads to address traffic issues, particularly around turning from Killara Road onto Maroondah Highway.
“Coldstream really deserves the attention of VicRoads in solving those issues,” she said.
“That is absolutely a priority item for us to be addressing next.”
