_SUBMISSION ON THE DRAFT ROMSEY STRUCTURE PLAN

Collie recently assisted a client in preparing a submission to the Macedon Ranges Shire Council (Council) on the draft Romsey Structure Plan (RSP) and the Romsey Structure Plan Investigations Areas Report (IAR).

The RSP is set to guide the future development and expansion of Romsey township, making recommendations including on the implementation of growth areas, a protected settlement boundary and rezoning and infrastructure strategies relating to employment, transport and other community issues. 

The purpose of the submission was to illustrate the lack of consistency in the context and justification of the strategies Council reached in both the RSP and IAR.  It was argued that the reports were promoting a pre-determined conclusion rather than providing a reasoned and objective analysis of the relative merits of alternative development areas.  Certainly the conclusions appear to extend the Town to the south further along the highway rather than meeting the objective of a compact Town around the existing town centre.

The consultation period closed in late September, with all submissions to be presented to Councilors and discussed at a future Council meeting.  The timing for the release and endorsement of a final RSP is unknown at this stage but may be some time next year.