Residential expansion earmarked for Bass

A SIGNIFICANT parcel of land could be set to be rezoned to Low Density Residential Zone at Bass Road, Bass with a proposal for an almost 50 lot subdivision. 

Bass Coast Shire has prepared Amendment C162basc to the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, which is on public exhibition until Monday, January 16, 2023.

The amendment proposes to rezone the land from Farming Zone (FZ) to Low Density Residential Zone (LDRZ).

This land is located at the south-east of the intersection of Statter Mission Road and Bass Road.

The amendment had received Ministerial authorisation by the Minister for Planning to be prepared, following a council resolution in June 2022. 

All submissions will be considered by Council, and if there are submissions that raise issues which cannot be resolved, Council may refer the submissions to an independent Planning Panel for recommendations about how to proceed.

According to a planning report, the site is currently used for farming and consists of a series of cleared paddocks utilised for cattle and horse grazing.

The site is located adjacent to residential zoning of Township and Low Density Residential development. 

The site does not form part of a viable farm and contains no dwellings and the only structure on the site is a dilapidated hay store/shed.  

The report highlighted that the issue of rezoning was raised in a panel report in 2010, and considered that the land, known as the Katelea Pastoral Land, should be identified for short-term development.

This was due to an established demand for low-density development and no other land is likely to be available in the foreseeable future.  

Based on current expectations, it was submitted that the proposed amendment will meet supply for approximately five years.

The site has a total land area of approximately 23.6 hectares, is generally flat and contains low lying vegetation of prominently pastoral grasses and weeds.

“The rezoning provides an opportunity for future subdivision that will appropriately reflect a low-density residential zone,” the report notes.

An engineering report proposes a subdivision of up to 50 lots ranging from around 4000m2. 

For more information, visit engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/c162