By Holly McGuinness
A Bundoora quarry is one step closer to being rezoned as residential land.
Whittlesea Council will ask the planning minister to amend Whittlesea’s planning scheme, allowing for the rezoning to go ahead.
If approved, the 36.4 hectare site at 149 Mckimmies Road, Bundoora, could be transformed by up to 730 new homes.
Developer Intrapac Property has bought the site and intends to use the land for medium density housing.
Council wants any development to include 5 per cent social housing and 10 per cent affordable housing.
Approval will also hinge on improved transport and community facilities.
Intrapac will also be required to rejuvenate Darebin Creek, deliver a series of connecting walking and cycling paths, including a bridge crossing and build two community parks.
Administrator Chris Eddy said the planning scheme amendment is the first stage of a long process which presents an opportunity to use the land productively.
Mr Eddy said that should the planning minister approve the amendment, affected landowners and the general public will be notified.
“An opportunity is there for people to have their say about that proposal and then a development plan would be prepared with individual planning permit applications required,” Mr Eddy said.
Administrator Peita Duncan said the amendment would also be subject to an environmental audit.
“Any amendment would not proceed until a statement or certificate of environmental audit has been issued by an independent auditor appointed by the Environmental Protection Agency,” Ms Duncan said.
