The following information addresses enquiries Council has received from the community about the progress of the Bannockburn Plaza development.
Golden Plains Shire Council is currently in the process of considering a planning permit application to allow the redevelopment of the existing shopping centre complex, Bannockburn Country Plaza. A planning permit was previously issued for the re-development in 2011, however the owner did not act upon this permit.
No further planning applications were lodged with Council until October 2017. Since the lodgement of this application, Council Officers have been working closely with the owners’ consultants to produce a retail layout that meets the requirements of the relevant State legislation and the needs of the community.
Following initial assessment of the application, it was advertised in November/December 2017 to adjoining and surrounding land owners and occupiers. Signs were placed onsite and a notice was placed in the Saturday edition of the Geelong Advertiser. Council received a number of objections to the proposal, which raised a variety of concerns.
In addition to matters raised in the objections, Council also sought clarification and additional information on a number of matters. Also during this period of time, the developer was working through the requirements of future tenants which has also impacted on the final plans that have now been lodged for assessment and review. A period of several months have elapsed since requesting the last round of information and it being submitted to Council in late May 2018.
These most recent revised plans and supporting documentation (from late May) will now be re-advertised and referred to the relevant authorities and stakeholders. Once this process has been completed, Council will facilitate a consultation meeting between the applicant and the objectors to discuss the objectors’ concerns regarding the proposal. After this process has been completed, Council Officers will then prepare a report for the application to be presented at a Council Meeting in the coming months, for a decision.
If approved, the developer would also need to obtain building approval. The decision on if and when the development starts, lays with the developer.
Council recognises the importance of supporting commercial investment in central Bannockburn, and all appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that there is strategic policy support and the required assessment resources to work through the relevant processes with as much efficiency as possible.