Feedback has opened on a planning scheme amendment that proposes to rezone land near the eastern entrance to Malmsbury in a bid to help preserve the township’s character.
Amendment C157macr, which has been requested by the current landowners, applies to 9-25 (part of), 31, 33 and 35 Mollison Street, and will result in land being rezoned from commercial use to low-density residential.
The area was previously recommended for rezoning in the Macedon Ranges Small Towns Study 2006, which identified that commercial development of the land would not reflect the rural village setting of Malmsbury.
The area currently surrounding the site is characterised by single-storey residential buildings of modest site coverage, with generous front setbacks and well-established gardens.
Council’s director of planning and environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, said the proposed changes were important to help preserve the area’s specific neighbourhood, heritage, environmental and landscape character values.
“Under the amendment, any new development taking place on the land identified will need to reflect the local residential character surrounding the site and of Malmsbury more broadly,” she said.
“It would include specifications around minimum lot sizes, maximum building heights, minimum street setbacks and site coverage.”
Community members can view the proposed amendment and supporting documents on the Have Your Say section of the council’s website, or at council’s Kyneton Administration Centre.
Submissions can be made in writing, by email or in person by Wednesday December 13.
MRSC will consider all submissions received and appoint an independent planning panel if necessary, with a final decision regarding the amendment to be made by the Minister for Planning.