One of the biggest subdivisions in years for a regional town could transform Daylesford, following a tick from council this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 42-lot housing development will go ahead after Hepburn Shire Council approved the amended plans over an original proposal of a 53-lot subdivision at 17 Smith Street.
The new proposal amended after community consultation and discussions with the developer, was based on a number of conditions the council described as "a better outcome for the Daylesford community".
READ MORE:
"These negotiated outcomes were achieved by the developer, council and the community working together," the statement said.
These include a requirement to amend the plan to include 38 standard lots, one heritage lot, and three super-lots identified to be eco-villages, retention of some trees and the original dwelling, and the inclusion of public open space and a community park.
At least 10 per cent of the subdivision will be affordable housing - it was previously reported they will be designated to a registered housing agency.
Sustainable Housing Design guidelines will need to be developed and supplied, and a traffic study will also need to be undertaken.
All lots will be built using sustainable building practices and will have a minimum seven star energy rating.
The proposal has faced a long road to approval - following a heated council meeting in February, an administrative error left it in limbo after councillors failed to make an official decision to approve or deny it.
The applicant, Joseph van Dyk of Hygge Property, resubmitted the plans with several alterations, including keeping the original 'Middleton House' property on-site.
The three "eco-villages" will have a 7.5 star energy rating, and will provide more open space.
However, plans for these lots will be subject to a separate planning application, to be lodged at a later date.
A neighbouring property has also been acquired so a second access road, connecting the development to Raglan Street, can also be built.
Original plans indicated the only entry and exit point would be on Smith Street - right next door to St Michael's Primary School and up the road from the only high school in the region, Daylesford College.
Mr van Dyk said last week 95 per cent of the trees on the property would also now be retained.
The original proposal for the hobby farm, first received in October, received more than 100 objections.
Daylesford locals said last week they did not want to the town's character to change because of the development - a community meeting with the developer was held on Saturday to discuss concerns.
- with Hayley Elg
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.