November 10th, 2023Planning amendment mooted for Malmsbury land

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community feedback on a planning scheme amendment that proposes rezoning land near Malmsbury’s eastern entrance 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-story residential buildings of modest site coverage, with generous front setbacks and well-established gardens.

The council’s Director 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 council’s website, or at the council’s Kyneton administration centre,

The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 13 December 2023 and the council says it 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.