Corangamite Shire councillors refused a planning scheme amendment to rezone the land near the western corner of Princes Highway and Peterborough Road from commercial and farming to residential at the June council meeting, listing no strategic reason for the rezoning. 

The landholder, Jim Beasley, plans to subdivide the 6.8-hectare parcel of land and build retirement units, assisted-living style units and aged care facilities. The land falls within two zones and abuts the Princes Highway and Peterborough Road. 

Mr Beasley’s application has already been before council in 2008 and 2010. In the report presented to councillors, manager of planning and building services Greg Hayes said in 2008 the proposal was put to a planning panel, which said more strategic analysis about the future residential and industrial requirements of Terang was required and did not support the rezoning. 

“In 2010 when the landowner requested rezoning, officers wrote setting out the strategic planning work needed before any site-specific rezoning could be supported and set out some of the many considerations needed for support,” Mr Hayes said. 

“These matters remain outstanding and are not addressed by this current request or submission.” 

Speaking on behalf of Mr Beasley at the meeting, planning consultant Bernie Wilder said his firm knew “what made small towns tick”. 

“We are moderately disappointed with the recommendation. Jim is enthusiastic and is someone who wants to do something with his land rather than just let it sit there. 

“He’s just looking for a little bit of support from council.” 

Cr Ruth Gstrein said there was no justification to rezone the land. 

Cr Neil Trotter agreed, saying the planning panel had already made a decision about the land and it wouldn’t be wise for council to go against it. 

Mayor Chris O’Connor said it was commendable Mr Beasley had identified a need for independent living in Terang, but it was “imperative” to retain a buffer between the industrial land on the eastern side of Peterborough Road and existing residential land to the west. 

“This land forms this buffer,” he said.