COUNCIL has adopted a Redland City Plan but will work on an amendment to make lot sizes less than 400 square metres less likely in established residential neighbourhoods.
Mayor Karen Williams said amendments would be put before council on October 10, just two days after the plan comes into effect.
“Subject to agreement to go forward, the package of amendments will be submitted for community consultation and if agreed, will be submitted to the minister for approval to adopt as amendments to the Redland City Plan,” Cr Williams said.
She said council would now start work to strengthen the 400 square metre minimum lot size in low-density residential zones.
“While the new Redland City Plan will already make it very unlikely that new residential low-density blocks of less than 400 square metres could be created in established neighbourhoods, council will request changes to further ensure that minimum lot size in those areas.”
C Williams said the community had said during consultation that older developed areas should not have smaller lots.
She said a proposed amendment would be sought to guarantee the minimum lot sizes.
“The new Redland City Plan is already tougher on small lot sizes providing much less scope than the existing planning scheme for lot sizes less then 400 square metres to be approved across the city,” Cr Williams said.
Planning Minister Cameron Dick had told council he would consider and fast-track amendments that met the legal requirements of the Planning Act.
His comments came after council adjourned a previous meeting for two weeks after Cr Murray Elliott called on Capalaba MP Don Brown to ask the planning minister to change conditions that Mr Dick had required.
Mr Dick had told council that it had to amend the plan to state that some blocks could be reduced below 400 square metres if “the resultant lots are consistent with the density and character of the surrounding established neighbourhood”.
The process to develop the plan started five years ago and included 11 weeks of community consultation.
Cr Paul Gleeson voted for the plan but said it was “disgusting” that the state dictated its contents.
“It is the Redland City’s planning scheme not the state’s,” he said.
Crs Wendy Boglary and Paul Bishop voted against the plan. Cr Boglary said the plan should include aspects like environmental and heritage values, transport plans and employment.
“I was not prepared to place my name to it until the values of the community were included,” she said.
“The development assessment aspects were thoroughly resourced and completed so equal value should have been placed on what retains the city's character and liveability.”
Cr Williams said the plan provided flexibility for CBD development and investment and made it easier to start a rural enterprise and encouraged economic activity on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
“The document itself is a major simplification of the planning scheme document,” she said.
“It is easier to understand and use, removing duplicated content and adopting language and terminology consistent with other planning schemes across the state.
“At the same time, the new plan is backed by rigorous science and detailed mapping to support accurate and sensible zoning and overlays.
“The enhanced mapping provides a stronger basis for the identification of hazards areas and for accurate identification and protection of the city’s environmental values including waterways and wildlife corridors.”
