Submissions due Thursday! More on Amendment C123

Hi all

Further to Kitty/Christian's messages the other day about the proposed developments in Coburg - here's the Facebook page that's been set up about it if you want to be kept in the loop: http://www.facebook.com/savecoburg

If you want to join the Save Coburg google group, email sueabolton@gmail.com

For what it's worth, my first impressions have been that the development may bring quite a lot of positive change to the Coburg shopping precinct, including renewal of a run down area (new school, restaurants, cinema, health facility etc) and a green focus, with a commitment to being an 'exemplar eco city' (maybe this is spin but 'The Colours of Coburg' document seems to reflect a number of great priorities: http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/mccwr/publications/policies-strategies-plans/the%20coburg%20initiative%20-%20colours%20of%20coburg%20-%20place%20framework.pdf).

But as has been said, there are a few concerning elements to this proposed development. I'm an enviro lawyer by trade, and had a bit of a look at the documents over the weekend. My biggest concerns are:

• this planning scheme amendment will take away your right to appeal to VCAT against permit applications that may affect your property, or your use and enjoyment of the central Coburg shopping and civic area. If this concerns you, you should tell the Council that they should not exempt ALL applications within the area from VCAT appeals. Your Council should still allow VCAT appeals about some developments, like applications for permits for high buildings of over (say) 6 storeys or buildings that are next to residential areas. 

• In all areas next to homes and residences, there should be a maximum of 5 storeys, with a stepped approach. The planning scheme amendment will allow 10 storey buildings very close to houses in some areas - such as north of Bell St, in what the scheme calls Precinct 2. Tell the Council that you think there should not be 10 storey buildings next to residential areas (or at all!). 

I believe that Sue Bolton, Councillor for Moreland, is applying for an exatension to the due date for submissions, as well as further community consultation from Council. But in the mean time, tomorrow's deadline still stands - so get a quick submission off before 5pm Thursday! http://morelandpsa.com.au/coburg

Cheers

Cecilia

sessi_riebl@hotmail.com

PS I'll be making a submission which deals with some of the legal stuff. Send me an email if you'd like me to pass it on.