Council approves residential look

By Shaun Inguanzo
KEYSBOROUGH South is set to be transformed from a rural to a residential zone after Greater Dandenong Council unanimously accepted a major amendment to the city’s planning scheme.
The C36 Amendment will spell the end of Keysborough South’s rural heritage and open the door to residential and community service development.
The amendment affects land bounded by Chapel Road on the west, Hutton and Greens Roads at the south, just beyond Chandler Road on the east, and just beyond Church Road at the north.
The amendment still needs the rubber stamp approval from the Planning Minister but has already undergone a lengthy process since it was first exhibited in December 2003.
According to this week’s report from council, the amendment essentially ensures that the Urban Growth Boundary will include Keysborough South, which is seen as a ‘greener’ residential extension of Keysborough.
If approved, the biggest challenge facing the council will be the handling of existing rural and agricultural practices, including the operation of the Homeleigh Road based Australian Animal Protection Socoiety, which has both dog and cats shelters.
In an appendix attached to the report outlining panel hearing recommendations, the panel recommends that Development Contribution Plans include funds for noise reduction methods to allow the shelter to be located within earshot of residential developments, or alternatively, funds to relocate its operations.
Councillors unanimously supported the C36 Amendment on Monday night, voting in favour of sending it to the Planning Minister for final approval.