March 12th, 2025Hepburn Springs subdivision gets green light
A new eight-lot housing subdivision proposed for Hepburn Springs has got the green light to proceed subject to multiple conditions following a Hepburn Shire Council vote late last month.
The proposal, relating to a 7,327 square meter site at 12-14 Vanina Street, within a residential zoning area, had attracted 12 objections.
Concerns about increased traffic flow, impacts on native flora and fauna and that the proposal was not in keeping with the existing neighbourhood character, and that the density was too high for the Hepburn township, numbered among objectors’ concerns.
The application had originally proposed an 11-lot subdivision but several planning amendments that had later been lodged by the applicant had reduced the number of proposed lots to eight, creating stronger protection of existing native vegetation on the site.
A report to the council noted that: “Whilst the development will result in the future loss of some surrounding native vegetation in order to create defendable space, the applicant has accepted council officer advice to ensure an acceptable balance between vegetation loss and fire protection has been reached through the implementation of carefully considered building envelopes which will control the location of future dwellings on the proposed new lots.”
Due to the number of objections, the matter went before councillors for a decision at the council’s February 25 meeting, with the planning officer recommendation supporting approval of the application subject to numerous conditions.
These included bushfire protection measures, traffic management, stormwater management, landscaping, screening and vegetation planting requirements, as well as building height controls among others.
But not all councillors were in support of the officer’s recommendation to grant approval, with Cr Brian Hood opposing it, naming concerns about emergency access provisions and design factors among his reasons for doing so.
“The bit I really struggle with is either a court bowl or battle axe driveway. To me they are very, very urban and not consistent with the character and amenity and rural setting of our towns,” Cr Hood said.
“This needs a bit more work and therefore I can’t support it.”
Ultimately, though, the application got through in line with the planning department’s recommendation with councillors voting 6:1 in favour.
In support, Cr Lesley Hewitt said “I’m impressed with the thoroughness that has gone into this application and also the willingness of the applicant to do the negotiation and to shift it from an 11 lot subdivision to an eight lot subdivision.”
Words: Eve Lamb. Image: File
