Council to increase housing diversity in commercial zones

MEDIA RELEASE 2021 - Council is seeking feedback on a proposed amendment to the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013, to permit a wider range of housing types in mixed-use commercial and residential development in the B2 Local Centre zone.

6 December 2021

Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking feedback on a proposed amendment to the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013, to permit a wider range of housing types in mixed-use commercial and residential development in the B2 Local Centre zone.

“This means a wider range of housing types will be allowed within some town centres, provided they are incorporated into mixed use developments,” Council’s Director of Community, Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said.

“Currently, the only forms of residential accommodation permitted in the B2 Local Centre zones in Bega, Bermagui, Eden, Merimbula, Pambula and Tathra town centres are shop top housing and boarding houses”.

“The changes we are suggesting will ensure that active street fronts are maintained in these commercial areas while providing options for accommodation for key workers, business owners and the ageing population above or behind commercial premises.”

Dr Howe said Council continues to explore measures to support an increase in the diversity of housing stock to meet the needs of people who live and work in the shire.

“We need to improve housing diversity, particularly dwellings suited to older people, people with disability and the workforce rental market”.

“Our proposed plan responds to this housing need and provides opportunities for people to live closer to the goods and services they need.”

Comments on the planning proposal are welcome during the exhibition period which runs to Sunday 23 January 2022.

To comment on the proposed plan, visit the Have Your Say webpage.

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