PLANNING OBJECTIONS NOW NEEDED

New objections that address planning concerns are now needed. For many people this will be their second written objection. Planning is about the development of the goods shed itself and the impacts of this on parking, noise, traffic, the CBD, heritage issues and so on.

HOW TO OBJECT

1. Draft your objection using the points below as a guide if you like. You have until 8/6/12 to lodge your objection.
2. Click here to submit your objection online via the council’s website. You can also view the plans and other documentation. Please note, the online objection form has a time limit. Its best to write your answers in a text editor or email and then paste your answers in so you do not lose your work.
3. Or you can submit your objection in hard copy. Include:

Re: Planning Application 287/2011 – Restricted Place of Assembly and Gaming Machines – Kennedy St, Castlemaine

And address to: Planning Department PO Box 185 Castlemaine 3450. Post or hand deliver to Council offices at Town Hall or Halford Street.

Your objection should:

• clearly state that you object to the proposal and why.
• include your concerns that relate to planning impacts (see below). Feel free to use your own words.
• you could include reference to those parts of the planning scheme that support the objections (see below)

You can make a general objection or include specific points if you live or own property near the goods shed

1. Objections can be from any shire resident who has concerns about the impacts that will be felt not only in the Kennedy Street neighbourhood but in the wider town centre and shire community (see section 1 below).
2. Specific points can be made by people who live or own property in Kennedy, Templeton and southern end of Campbell, Doveton or Berkeley Streets and who are worried about the direct impact of the proposal e.g. traffic, car parking, noise, hours of operation (see section 2 below).

An objection can include grounds from both 1 and 2.

1. OBJECTIONS OF A BROADER NATURE

Protecting the role of Castlemaine Central Business District
This proposal will result in a shift of the Castlemaine Central Business District (CBD) into a largely residential area. It will draw trade and business away from the main retail area in Mostyn Street. (21.04, 22.01)

Proposal is contrary to intention of the Planning Scheme which is to maintain a compact core of activity and avoid new development outside of the existing retail area. (Planning Scheme Clauses 22.01, 21.04)

The proposal would create physical imbalance in CBD and is inconsistent with local policy promoting Forest Street as the new focus for retail/commercial expansion. (Planning Scheme Clauses 21.04, 22.01, 21.04)

Heritage significance of the building and place will be reduced.
The proposed external alterations and developments will diminish the heritage values of railway goods shed building and the heritage place of the railway precinct. (Planning Scheme Clauses 21.04, 22.01, 22.11, 22.20, 43.01)

Amenity and character impacts on adjacent residential neighbourhoods
The proposal would have adverse impacts on the amenity of adjacent neighbourhood in Kennedy Street and adjoining local street by virtue of traffic , car parking, noise and disturbance to residential amenity enjoyed in established residential areas. (Planning Scheme Clauses 21.04, 22.01, 52.28, 52.27, 65)

Inconsistency with purposes on Public Use zoning
Proposed use of the railway goods shed is not consistent with the purpose of the Public Use zone which includes use of the building for community services and facilities. (Planning Scheme Clauses 36.01, 65)

Net community benefit cannot be demonstrated
There will be negative community benefit as a result of the proposed use and development due to:

• Economic, social and cultural disadvantage caused by structural and retail imbalance to Castlemaine CBD
• Amenity impacts on adjacent residential area
• Severe social and economic consequences of gaming
• Economic disadvantage to existing businesses in the CBD retail area
• Loss of opportunity to use the building for purposes that would bring greater community benefit

(Planning Scheme Clauses 22.01, 21.04, 65, 52.28)