Friends
of Nillumbik asked Council: In 2008 Nillumbik Council approved an application at 35 Laughing Waters Road. This applicant was previously involved in illegal vegetation clearance and was fined. It has come to our notice that sometime in late 2009 or early 2010 the approved application began and the block was significantly cleared of vegetation. We ask was this all of this vegetation clearance legal and permitted by Council as part of the planning permit? Also, as the application it seems is now lapsed and the block is still with neither a dwelling nor any replanting to replace the vegetation cleared, Friends of Nillumbik would like to know what the current situation is regarding the application. Ransce Salan, General Manager Environment and Planning, responded: Yes the clearance that was undertaken was consistent with the approval given. The expiry conditions contained within the permit details that the development must commence within two years and be completed within four years of the issue of the permit. As the applicant has commenced works the permit is still valid until 29 April 3013 for completion of all works. Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Late last year Council amended the notification procedures concerning copies of planning applications for people who wish to lodge an objection to them. Regarding this situation Friends of Nillumbik ask whether residents immediately neighbouring an application receive a letter notifying them of a planning application when it is advertised and does a letter, if provided, detail what people can do regarding a planning application? Ransce Salan, General Manager Environment and Planning, responded: The notification procedures have not changed as these are contained within the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Council has no power to change them. The notification provided to potentially affected property owners and occupiers does detail what people can do in relation to such an application. The notification form provided is a standard document from the Planning and Environment Act Regulations and is used throughout Victoria. Abutting neighbours do receive a letter explaining how they can obtain additional information and to put to the decision making process. Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Is Council aware that the horse lobby is canvassing and campaigning right across the Melbourne metropolitan area to support their claims to unfettered access to all trails in the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System? As this area is zoned “Public Conservation and Resource Zone” which aims to “protect and conserve the natural environment and natural processes” and talks of “minimal degradation of the natural environment and natural processes”, Friends of Nillumbik ask what unforseen costs to the custodians of the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System, the community, the Council and the environment might arise from such widespread use of our bushland reserves? Ransce Salan, General Manager Environment and Planning, responded: The draft plan is currently on exhibition and Council welcomes any feedback or concerns that the Friends of Nillumbik may have with this plan. When finalising the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve Management Plan, Council will fully consider the potential impacts of horses on the conservation reserves. Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Are there trails in Nillumbik outside of the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve Management System which the local horse riders can use as part of their pony club activities and which low traffic, unmade country roads can they safely access? Ransce Salan, General Manager Environment and Planning, responded: There are trails, dirt roads and the like that horse riders can use outside of the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System. There is also a substantial trail being developed as part of the Regional Trails Strategy. Council’s objective is to ensure there is a range of recreational horse riding through the Management Plan. |