Council adopts planning scheme amendment for Drouin CBD.

Published on 14 October 2021

Council has adopted a Planning Scheme Amendment that will see changes to planning requirements for the land within the Drouin central business district.

The amendment seeks to provide Council with strategies to accommodate and plan for commercial growth in the Drouin CBD while not losing the character of the town.

Specifically, the amendment will see changes to Schedule 2 of the Design and Development Overlay (DDO2) that impacts most of the Drouin Town Centre.

These changes ensure the preferred building heights outlined in DDO2 remain consistent with the Drouin Township Plan (2020-2036) and support Drouin as a viable central business district for local business and residents.

In preparing the amendment, Council sought community feedback from 1 July 2021 through to 2 August 2021. The purpose of the consultation was to provide any person who may be affected by the amendment with the opportunity to make a submission to the planning authority and have their views considered.

Council was able to amend the DDO2 in a fashion that addresses all comments and issues raised in the public submissions. As Council was able to address all the concerns relating to the amendment, this has avoided the need to refer the submissions to an Independent Planning Panel.

The next stage of the process will see Council submit the adopted Amendment C143 documentation to the Minister of Planning for approval.

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“I would like to thank all the stakeholders and community members who have taken the opportunity to make a submission. Drouin’s Central Business District is a social and economic hub for the township and beyond. This planning amendment will set out guidelines for new buildings within the Drouin CBD whilst maintaining the much-loved community feel and character of the town.”