BUILDING BOOM

More than $59 million worth of building works were approved for Baw Baw Shire within a two months period.

The major development contributing to the higher than normal building activity was a $39 million retirement village development in Mills Rd, Warragul.

Encore Living submitted the application to develop a retirement village with 151 individual villas on the 9.7 hectare site.

The development also includes a communal clubhouse with pool pavilion, games room, bar, function area, meeting room and outdoor patios.

Planning reports presented to councillors at the past two meetings showed $6.8 million worth of works approved in July, $44.5 million in August and $7.7 in September.

Some of the more significant permits issued during the three month period included:

Restricted retail premises and food and drink premises at 1 Burke St, Warragul;

313 lot residential subdivision in Copelands Rd, Warragul; and a,

27 lot subdivision in Princes Ave, Longwarry. Plans for a 15 unit residential village in Drouin Rd, Longwarry were withdrawn.

Cr Michael Leaney said more than $51 million worth of development was approved by planning staff in July and August.

“That is a huge amount for this shire and we should be extremely proud. The more money going into these projects will enhance the economy and enhance jobs here.

“The dollar value is absolutely huge and shouldn’t be underestimated,” he said.

Cr Darren Wallace said the report showed building activity in the past six months had been very encouraging.

He said they were starting to see a few runs on the board.

Figures outlined in the reports showed there were 114 planning permit applications received for the three month period and 104 applications determined.

In July, 53 per cent of decisions were made within 60 days; in August 47.5 per cent were made within 60 days and in September 51.5 per cent were within 60 days.

There were 45 plans of certification issued for subdivisions.

The report said 25 lots were released for development in July; 24 were released in August; and nine released in September.

Cr Darren Wallace said the trend over the past six months in planning was encouraging.

He said the planning department was seeing results and had been rewarded recently with positive customer feedback.

Cr Jessica O’Donnell said there had been an upward trend which was fantastic.

“They (planners) are working their backsides off and it’s pleasing to see the results,” she said.