Macedon Ranges council will ask the planning minister to create a protected settlement boundary for Romsey as part of a new structure plan for the town.
Councillors adopted the final draft Romsey structure plan during a council meeting on May 22.
The plan will guide how Romsey will change and grow until 2050.
Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfield told the council meeting that the protected settlement boundary would determine the long-term extent of growth in the town, while ensuring there would be sufficient land for the houses and jobs required to support the community.
Council sought feedback on the plan in 2018-19, 2022 and 2023.
Changes were made to the settlement boundary included in the final draft plan following Greater Western Water’s feedback about the Romsey Treatment Plant buffer zone, removing that area from the boundary.
The change also meant the employment precinct planned for the area had to be relocated to south of Greens Lane.
Cr Rob Guthrie also moved an amendment to establish a 30-metre minimum setback of residential lots from the eastern boundary of 2131 Romsey Road to ensure an appropriate interface with adjoining rural land.
Cr Guthrie said while he had concerns about the plan, he felt it should be adopted by council to prevent the planning process from being taken over by the state government.
However, Cr Geoff Neil, implored his colleagues to defer the plan, stating that he felt councillors and the community had not had enough time to consider it.
“The community received this doc last friday, ironically so did we as councillors,” he said.
“There are quite a few surprises in there.
“I don’t believe Cr Guthrie’s motion goes far enough.”
Cr Neil said councillors had been contacted by a number of residents expressing their concerns about the plan.
“We need to pause and listen, not just adopt a document because it has been placed in front of us,” he said.
“I think that we need to change our attitude a little so that what we put to the minister is based on provision of amenity, not provision of population.”
Cr Neil’s plea was rejected by a majority of councillors, who voted to adopt the final draft plan.
Council will also ask the planning minister to undertake consultation before finalising the structure plan.
