The Minister for Planning has prepared an amendment to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme to rezone La Trobe University land at 2 Osborne Street, Flora Hill from Public Use (education) to a Residential Growth Zone.
The 7.3-hectare site is the former Bendigo Teachers College site that includes the former residence known as ‘Eumana’.
The amendment has been prepared at the request of La Trobe University as it intends to sell the site because it is no longer required for university use. It excludes the adjoining Bendigo Regional Athletics Complex, which is now Council-owned and is being rezoned to a public recreation zone in a separate planning scheme amendment.
The C255gben Amendment proposes to:
- Rezone 2 Osborne Street, Flora Hill from Public Use Zone 2 Education (PUZ2) to Residential Growth Zone (RGZ)
- Apply the Development Plan Overlay Schedule 30 to the site to guide the layout and form of future development
- Apply the Heritage Overlay to part of the site (Eumana and its curtilage)
- Amend Clause 72.04 to insert the Eumana Heritage Place Statement of Significance,
October 2019 as an incorporated document
City of Greater Bendigo Director Strategy and Growth Bernie O’Sullivan said the proposed amendment was being managed through the Victorian Government Land Planning Service (GLPS).
“The City is not the decision maker for the proposal, but we will provide a submission,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“We have been consulted during the preparation of the amendment and we have asked for certain planning controls to be incorporated, including applying the heritage overlay and adding a proposed general layout in the development plan overlay.
“It should be noted that the final form of the proposal has been decided by the applicant, La Trobe University, and this has been put forward to the GLPS.
“This land has been identified as a key residential development site in the Greater Bendigo Residential Strategy and the Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy and we are keen that it leads to a good residential outcome.”
The Minister for Planning has referred the C255gben Amendment to an independent Government Land Standing Advisory Committee for consideration. The Committee will review all submissions made to the amendment and provide recommendations on the suitability of the proposed planning scheme changes to the Minister for Planning.
The Minister will then consider these recommendations and will make the final decision on the proposed planning controls for the site.
Submissions to the advisory committee can be made at: www.engage.vic.gov.au/glsac/t28
The amendment is on public exhibition until Friday November 20.
