The Kingborough Council Planning Authority will consider the independent review of its application of Landscape Conservation Zoning under its implementation of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme at its next meeting.
Kingborough Council Chief Executive Officer, Dave Stewart said the report will be recommended to the Planning Authority for endorsement.
The report, prepared by planning consultant Ireneinc and its recommendations, will then be submitted to the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) to inform the remainder of the hearings for Kingborough’s draft Local Provisions Schedule (LPS).
“In terms of zoning, the report proposes that Kingborough be considered as three broad regions consisting of more than 30 sub-locations. Each sub-location is then assessed as a locality, rather than on a property by property basis, to ensure consistency and avoid fragmented outcomes,” Mr Stewart said.
“That allows the Council to better identify landscape values for each locality and determine the primary intent of the area, including reassessing existing LCZ areas.
“It also enables consideration of whether landscape values can be appropriately managed under a different zone such as Rural Living Zone, or whether Landscape Conservation Zone is necessary.
“Overall, the review aims to reassess proposed Landscape Conservation Zone (LCZ) areas and provide assurance about the recommendations through a transparent, consistent process.
“It assesses the most appropriate zoning for each locality, while balancing maintaining important landscape values with minimising unnecessary constraints on landowners.
“The report provides supporting tables and mapping for each locality to enable people to understand how the area has been assessed within the wider review.
“Ultimately, the review has reduced the extent of land zoned as Land Conservation when compared with the Council’s draft Local Provisions Schedule submission to the Commission.
“We understand the depth of feeling in the community this issue has caused, and we now have independent advice which, provided it is endorsed by the Council, will be part of the Commission’s deliberations.
“As a Council, we want to get the balance right. This report has shown that in our efforts to navigate the particular challenges posed by rezoning under the statewide planning scheme, Council had previously taken a somewhat precautionary approach in its application of the LCZ in some areas.”
The full review, which was directed by the Commission, will be published as part of the meeting agenda.