BAYSIDE City Council is disappointed at the removal of planning controls from the community and Council.

Bayside Mayor Councillor James Long said the move had been made by the Victorian Government in a bid to fast-track school and social housing development projects to further stimulate the economy.

“Council recognises the need for action to address the impacts of the Global Economic Crisis, but not at the expense of adequate planning and community input.

“It’s disappointing that the State Government failed to consult local government about its new policy (Amendment VC56) and explore other options to achieve the objectives of the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package,” Cr Long said.

Under Amendment VC56, school and social housing infrastructure projects, funded under the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package and which meet specified criteria, will be exempt from the need for a planning permit.

The Minister for Planning is the Responsible Authority for determining any development proposals that fall outside the planning criteria.

Cr Long said the new planning policy would reduce Council’s role and the rights of its community. “Council will only be able to provide comment. It’s unclear whether there would be sufficient time for Council to ascertain the views of the community.

“The results and impacts of new developments approved under Amendment VC56 will exist for 50-100 years. These new developments should be subjected to proper planing processes as the implications are very long term for what is a very short gain in boosting planning construction over the next three years,” Cr Long said.