Plans for change to Kyneton’s urban areas have been re-shaped and will be released for another round of community consultation.
Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire Council voted for further consultation on the draft Kyneton Urban Design Framework following strong interest in its future planning.
The draft UDF, which establishes a future vision for Kyneton’s main commercial area and guidelines for new development, attracted 79 submissions in July.
A large proportion of these submissions focused on the issues of proposed bicycle lanes and reduced speed limits and has resulted in some change to the framework.
The final draft includes confirmation that new bicycle lanes will be located on the town’s side streets with no plans to remove parking on the three main streets to accommodate wider bicycle lanes.
Only five per cent of submitters supported the option for bicycle lanes along the main streets while 56 per cent preferred bicycle lanes in side street locations, and 28 per cent mostly preferring no change.
Also highlighted was retention of the community kiosk at the Kyneton Mechanics Reserve precinct as part of any redesign of this space.
However, concern raised over the proposal to lower speed limits to 30km/h or 40km/h in several key streets around Kyneton remains in future actions.
The officer’s report to council stated the recommendations on reduced speed limits were consistent with the recently adopted Kyneton Movement Network Plan.
Thirty-six submitters mentioned speed limits in their feedback. Of these, five supported 30km/h; eight suggested 40km/h instead; 11 said to keep the current speed limit of 50km/h; and 11 said they did not support 30km/h but did not suggest an alternative.
Other items raised included accessibility, bluestone guttering, support for street trees, and comments on public art.
Council officer advice was for the draft to be adopted as further detailed planning would include community consultation in the future, however, councillors opted to release the updated draft for more feedback.
As a result, the final Kyneton UDF will be decided by a new future council.
The updated draft UDF will be released for further community consultation until December 20 (with a start date to be confirmed, after council’s election period concludes). The outcome of the this feedback will be reported at the February 2025 council meeting.
