More discussion needed for Rokeby development

Rokeby residents have voiced their concerns about a "quasi Waterford Rise" development for the town. A proposed 20 lot residential subdivision in Rokeby remains on the table for further discussion and information for Baw Baw Shire councillors.

The application to subdivide a 20 hectare property in Brand Creek Rd, was deferred by council pending a further report to be presented next week.

In the planning report presented to council last week, officers recommended council refuse the application.

Planners said the lot sizes failed to respond to the purpose of the rural living zone, which amongst other things sought to provide residential use in a rural environment while protecting and enhancing the natural resources, biodiversity and landscape and heritage values of the area.

Officers also said the application failed to address a number of concerns relating to onsite wastewater management and stormwater management.

"The pattern of subdivision could contribute to an intensity of development which is at odds with the preferred scale and density of development being sought within this area of Rokeby.

"The subdivision pattern for Rokeby aspires to enable views across the hills and farmland to be maintained through building envelopes being appropriately separated and not through the creation of lots which are well below the minimum subdivision area of one hectare specified in the zone," the report said.

Planners said there was a lack of community services and infrastructure in Rokeby. "Rokeby is poorly serviced and increased population in areas that are poorly serviced should be discouraged."

"Rokeby is not connected to reticulated sewerage. This is another example of limited infrastructure to support population growth within Rokeby," the report said.

A number of community members addressed councillors, calling on them to support the planners' recommendation.

Rokeby community member Kate Hill told council if the subdivision was approved, "Rokeby runs the risk of an identity crisis."

"We don't want a quasi Waterford Rise in Rokeby," she said.

Ms Hill said as a community, they deserved to be consulted about permanent change to their town.

She said if the proposed subdivision was in accordance with provisions of the rural living zone it would be accepted. "We support a subdivision of that farm but we want to know our perspectives are understood," she said.

Claire Stoll told council "tough planning provisions need to be enforced to increase the standard of rural living development."

"Are you prepared to put your name and integrity to this application. We aren't saying no more development as long as it's done right and reflects the charm of the town," she said.

Moving the application be deferred, Cr Danny Goss said the proposed development would "change Rokeby forever."

"It's extremely important and I'm personally uncomfortable with it. I want time to consider some of these issues.

"I am still not certain about some of the aspects, especially the purpose of the rural living zone, especially around lot sizes," he said.

Cr Darren Wallace said the application proposed lots much larger than what was presently in Rokeby and council needed to ensure it was meeting the intent of the rural living zone.

Community members will hold a meeting tomorrow night at 6pm at the Rokeby Hall to further discuss the application with councillors.