Local Environment Plan Guidelines or Grief?

The Local Environment Plan as a guideline for development is causing considerable grief in the local community at present with cumulative 'minor amendments' culminating in major impacts, street frontage 'standards' disregarded for subdivision and inconsistencies  in proponent/opponent deadlines for dealing with Council compounding stress.

The Progress Association is interested in better understanding the planning instruments and is pursuing a public community meeting with Council officers and representatives to clarify the LEP guidelines and processes that are resulting in conflicting messages and outcomes from the original intent of the Lifestyle 2020 vision. A date is yet to be determined. Some of the issues of concern are outlined below.

In the meantime the CPPA is encouraging locals to attend the Council meeting, most likely early May, when the application is discussed and determined. This is an opportunity to better understand the process and what is at stake, especially in regards to subdivision standards in our community. 
The Council hearing in regards to DA 16/2009 had been proposed for April 18th but was deferred pending more information from the proponents. Opponents to the subdivision have been denied public access and so community support is needed.

Sub Division standards: e.g DA 16/2009-A resident is facing a subdivision proposal that was originally a prohibited 1 into 3 lot subdivision/dual occupancy, resubmitted as two lot subdivision and new dwelling, which did not change any features of the questionable subdivision only the dedication of land to Council being removed. The DA proposal does not comply with LEP standards of a 14m street frontage, instead 11.29m is proposed setting a whole new precedent for the area disregarding the current LEP standards.  This will be discussed and determined on 18/4/11. 

Minor Infringements: e.g DA 301/2010-Residents are facing a 2m high planting in lieu of a colourbond fence, down to the foreshore which effectively creates a visual and physical barrier in the neighbouring areas and permanently changes the outlook. The new development will include two double car garages, a 9.8m long hobby store and the house. Ten  'minor infringements' were allowed including overdevelopment of the site, front and side setbacks contrary to council controls and fencing beyond the foreshore building line as part of pool and fencing. As these were all considered 'minor'  no re-notification was triggered denying the opportunity for negotiation or further comment by interested parties.

If you are interested in following Development Applications around the community LMCC provides a DA map at www.lakemac.com.au/page.aspx?pid=1119&vid=12  and there is also PlanningAlerts.org.au.