Let the Minister for Planning know that the biggest proposed subdivision Daylesford has ever seen (17 Smith Street) is not aligned with the intent of the Hepburn Shire’s Planning Scheme, nor does it reflect Hepburn Shire’s Council Plan to protect and enhance our astounding assets.

This subdivision is not sensitive to the Daylesford features we love, i.e. it’s landscape, trees, waterways, wildlife, town character and heritage, and so it is important the Minister rejects or significantly changes the subdivision application to ensure development worthy of this town.

If the subdivision goes ahead as is, an important catchment will be sullied, a stunning entrance to this rural historic town will be destroyed, and the rural village feel that attracts residents and tourists to the town will be gone forever. It would also set a precedent for further inappropriate development.

This is URGENT! The application is currently with the Minister for a decision by end March/April 2021.

The Minister for Planning has the power to ensure appropriate development by insisting developers redesign their subdivision to be responsive to its features, rather than radically changing the landscape:

• Design around existing majestic trees to ensure their survival both as valued landmarks and environmental assets
• Provide larger lot sizes with room for productive gardens
• Provide wider roads and nature strips
• Include a park
• Provide better protection of the water table and precious ground water by not building or concreting over absorbent soil and drainage line of the eastern slope and valley, a head tributary of the Loddon RIver, and, adopting a more natural approach to drainage that manages Daylesford’s deluges and acknowledges the significance of the sites recharge function in a crucial catchment area – meaning no concrete kerbs, driveways or gutters
• Include a revegetated drainage line in the eastern valley to protect water quality and provide a buffer to adjacent farm land
• Include a dedicated community space for growing food in the rich volcanic soil that characterises the site and celebrates our region’s reputation for locally grown biodynamic produce.
• Provide building design guidelines that reflect and encourage the town’s country character.

Sign the petition now to encourage only appropriate, respectful development of Daylesford!! Before it is too late.