Not in Farm Zone

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 30.10.08

Council knocks back plans for boutique vineyards: fears a residential ‘enclave’

Written by philip nolan.

A PROPOSAL to establish a nine lot subdivision which would include three boutique vineyards on the Beechworth-Wangaratta road has been knocked back by the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Council’s planning officers feel the proposal could impact on existing agricultural uses and may also result in a residential "enclave" in what is a farming zone.

Beechworth Vineyards owns the 471 ha area of land and uses it for grape production.

Council’s infrastructure services director, Stephen Onions, told last week’s council meeting that the proposal was to create a nine lot subdivision with all lots above the required 40ha size.

Boutique vineyards would be established on three of the lots.

Mr Onions said, however, that the proposal would introduce a number of dwellings which would have the potential to create a rural residential "enclave" which was contrary to the purpose of the Farming Zone.

He said that 15 objections had been lodged when the first proposal was put to council, and the new amended proposal now being considered had drawn a further four new objections with none of the original objections being withdrawn.

Objectors felt that the development of the lots would impact negatively on the security of water supply to surrounding land, that concentrated lifestyle blocks would hamper legitimate farming enterprises and that there would be increased traffic.

All objections were supported by council staff and councillors adopted the recommendation to refuse the permit.