Planning scheme favours developers
IF THE front page headline (TC 29/09) “TRC buys land to control development” doesn’t show that Toowoomba Regional Council’s planning scheme favours developers over local residents (ratepayers), then a quick scan of the story will put it beyond doubt.
Cr Tait, Planning and Development Portfolio Leader, is quoted as saying that if council hadn’t purchased the land, any developer was welcome to come in and do as they please.
And in relation to another developer’s offer to purchase the land, Cr Tait said they “… could have put in (a development application) that would comply with the planning scheme but might not have been in line with the expectation of the Highfields community”, and had council subsequently rejected what it might have considered was an inappropriate – but otherwise complying – proposal, the issue could have finished up in the Planning and Environment Court where it could ultimately have been approved anyway.
What more proof does anyone need that significant parts of council’s planning scheme are completely out of council’s control, and further, are clearly skewed favourably towards developers?
I am sure the residents of Highfields are looking forward to intimate and complete consultations with council over the future development of this land, but to characterise the whole enchilada as a
How is it going to control what the planning scheme permits in other communities within the Toowoomba Region?
“proactive approach” is completely misleading.
I suspect council has only done this deal to save face and has been exceedingly lucky that the land in question was owned by a local identity who recognised the importance of it to the township’s future and was prepared to engage with council over its sale.
And Highfields should thank him for that.
Only one question remains.
Now that council has been allowed to bend over backwards to get its own butt out of a sling of its own making, how is it going to control what the planning scheme permits in other communities within the Toowoomba Region?
I fear it’s not going to be able to, and it will continue to be open slather for developers, unless and until the planning scheme is completely revised to protect the interests of ratepayers.
Meanwhile, lucky old Highfields. Again!