DATE: Wednesday, May 4, 2005

PLANNING TO PROTECT DAYLESFORD'S UNIQUE CHARACTER

Daylesford's unique neighbourhood character will be protected, with today's announcement of new planning provisions, by the Planning Minister, Rob Hulls.

Mr Hulls said the provisions were in response to the recommendations made in the Daylesford Neighbourhood Character Study 2002 and included the introduction of 12 local policies for neighbourhood character.

"The council has consulted widely to implement controls that will provide greater certainty for the community and will give investors clear guidelines on where and how new developments should occur," Mr Hulls said.

"These provisions show the importance the Bracks Government places on maintaining neighbourhood character. They will ensure that future development responds appropriately to the character of the town.

"The council is to be commend for its hard work and collaboration with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and for consulting closely with the local community."

Over the next year the council will monitor the effectiveness of the policies for local character. If they work, similar changes could be made to other parts of the municipality.

In practice, the new controls mean that a building permit will now be required in certain areas of Daylesford where previously a permit was not needed.

In other areas, the controls ensure that considerations of local character are included in a permit application.

Mr Hulls said the measures would ensure residential development in Daylesford was in keeping with community expectations about what was and wasn't appropriate for the area.

Hepburn Shire now has the planning tools in place to protect Daylesford's unique character and guide sustainable development where it is appropriate."