A report to Kingborough Council outlining the findings of an independent review of the Specific Area Plans (SAPs) will be considered at the Council meeting on Monday 3 August.
Kingborough Council’s CEO, Dave Stewart said the independent review found there was strategic justification for revised and simplified SAPs applying to Bruny Island and Bonnet Hill and recommended that the Blackmans Bay Bluff component of the Bonnet Hill SAP be removed.
“The review found the SAP for Bruny Island was justified due to characteristics that could not be adequately managed through the standard provisions of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme,” Mr Stewart said.
“These included the island’s low-density settlement pattern, infrastructure constraints including wastewater management, and natural values of local, state and national significance.
“The review found the Bonnet Hill SAP was justified due to the scenic amenity of the vegetated slopes and hills that form the backdrop to Kingston Beach and surrounding areas, the area’s low-density settlement pattern, and wastewater infrastructure constraints.
“The review also recommended that the SAPs be revised and simplified.
“In response to the review, Council has redrafted the SAPs to align with what is currently in place under the Kingborough Interim Planning Scheme, while also providing some additional flexibility.
“We have taken this approach in response to community feedback, particularly from Bruny Island residents, that further consultation is needed to inform any future strategic planning work.
“This approach allows the transition to the new planning scheme to occur, manages key risks, avoids adverse impacts on landowners, and provides time to undertake the additional consultation and strategic work that the community has requested,” Mr Stewart said.
Acting Mayor Christian Street said the report to be considered before Council was the result of an extensive process that included feedback and independent expert assessment.
“Throughout this process, we have heard strong community interest in how these planning provisions are developed and applied,” Cr Street said.
“Community members told us they wanted more time and further consultation, particularly in relation to longer-term planning matters, and Council has taken that feedback seriously.
“The purpose of the independent review was to provide Council with an objective assessment of the SAPs and the issues they seek to address.
“Council will now consider the review findings, the proposed amendments and the feedback received from the community before making any decisions.”
Should Council endorse the reviewed SAPs, they will be provided to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for consideration as part of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme.