Council approves high-level plan for Bright land development

The Great Alpine Road site, which forms part of the Bright Western Gateway Development on the outskirts of Bright, was rezoned from Farming Zone to General Residential in 2015.

The land was purchased by Melbourne developers the Deague family in February 2022. 

The Development Plan for the 41 hectare site was considered for approval by Councillors at the July Council Meeting earlier this week, based on the planning considerations put in place in 2015.

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said Council approved the Development Plan as the next step in the development process. 

“We want to be clear that the approval of a Development Plan is different to approving a plan of subdivision - we’re still a fair way off from that level of detail,” she said.

“There is plenty of work to be done by the developer and Council’s Planning Department to ensure that the final project meets the requirements of the Alpine Planning Scheme and satisfies key stakeholders.

“This is a step towards providing more houses, thus easing the housing pressures we are seeing play out across the Alpine Shire and more broadly around the country, but it is by no means the final step.”

The Development Plan provides a high-level concept for the site. Detailed design will still be required for areas such as drainage, roadways and landscaping, which will be determined at the planning permit stage.

Final lot numbers and sizes will be established during this planning permit stage as well. One of the planning considerations requires a variety of lot sizes when these decisions are being made.

Council will continue to engage with the community about how they wish to see the development progress and address any concerns as they arise.

There is no legislated basis for notification, objections or comments during the subdivision stage, however Council is aware of community interest and is committed to keep community members informed.

While Council’s Planning Department continues to work collaboratively with the developer to protect the best interests of the community, Councillors will listen to and advocate for the views of the community throughout the process.

Cr Nicholas said the development will provide an opportunity for community members and future residents alike to secure a piece of Bright in a market currently struggling with low housing availability and choice.

“We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for housing locally since the start of the COVID pandemic,” she said.

“This development means that residents who are struggling to secure their own home, as well as future community members keen for a tree change, will have an opportunity to buy into this highly sought after place to live, work and play.

“We look forward to working with the developers and key stakeholders into the future to see this pivotal development become reality.”

Learn more on Council’s website at www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/bright-western-gateway-development.