amend_C2

The height limits are part of an amendment to the
Bayside Planning Scheme approved by the State Government this week. Interim
height controls expired on 31 June 2003. This amendment applies the controls
permanently. 

Bayside City Mayor Ken Beadle said Council had also
asked for permanent building height controls for inland residential and
commercial areas, but a decision on these limits had been deferred. 

“Council has welcomed the State Planning Minister’s
long-awaited partial approval of Bayside
Planning Scheme Amendment C2,” Mayor Beadle said. 

“The Amendment gives council permanent control to
restrict buildings in coastal areas to two storeys and introduces new protection
measures for native vegetation. 

“Residents in the municipality’s south will now require
a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop any native vegetation, except
trees under two meters or trees with a circumference less than 0.5 metre
at one metre above ground level. 

“The new vegetation protection controls apply to
all land bounded by Edward and Tulip Streets and Park Road to the north,
Charman Road to the east and Beach Road to the south and west.” 

However, the Mayor expressed disappointment that
the Minister had split the amendment and failed to act on all of the initiatives
requested. 

Council had also sought building height controls
for inland residential and commercial areas, however the Minister has ruled
out extending limits to these at this time. 

Additionally, the Minister has not indicated support
for proposed guidelines on neighbourhood character or a timeframe for a
resolution. 

“I’m disappointed that the Minister has split the
Amendment and not resolved all matters now. The Bayside community strongly
supported these measures during consultation and the continuing delays
are frustrating for our residents,” Mayor Beadle said. 

Bayside Council will continue to lobby the Minister
for resolution of all parts of the Amendment.