A request to the minister for planning to remove the Lancefield Development Plan Overlay, which sets out the vision and land use strategy, has been declined.
The request to remove the plan (DPO24) from the Macedon Ranges planning scheme was submitted in April following a resolution by the Macedon Ranges council.
In an announcement on December 7, the council said the removal would have simplified development requirements for affected landowners.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny acknowledged the plan was introduced to provide certainty and guidance for landowners, and coordination and conformity of residential development in the three development areas of Lancefield.
Its introduction occurred via a statutory process that included public exhibition, which provided an opportunity for interested parties to make submissions and have their views considered by an independent planning panel.
In declining the request, Ms Kilkenny explained the removal of the plan may give rise to potential risks associated with land being developed in an uncoordinated manner and create further difficulties for residential development to take place.
Council director planning and environment Rebecca Stockfeld said the council was disappointed with the outcome.
“We have worked closely with impacted residents and listened to their concerns and frustrations with the current planning overlay,” she said.
“Council will continue to work with the affected landowners on future options for development in the area.”
