City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said while the latest version of the draft code shows some acknowledgement of previously raised concerns, there are still serious issues that need to be addressed before the system is introduced across the state.
“We’re also disappointed that some of the key policies and suggestions council submitted earlier this year in response to the first draft of the Code have been disregarded,” Mayor Thompson said.
“We’re also concerned by the state government plans to introduce the code in early 2021.
“This seems very rushed considering consultation only closes on 18 December and there will no doubt be substantial feedback from local government, the building industry and the community to consider.
“If this second consultation is to be genuine, then time should be taken to consider and respond to the submissions properly.
“The reputation of the Commission and councils, and confidence in these institutions, has the potential to be seriously damaged if this is not done right.”
Some of the City of Onkaparinga’s key concerns about the second draft Planning and Design Code include:
- the loss of planning policies acknowledging our unique local towns, their established setting and context, and the streetscape for these areas, such as Aldinga/Port Willunga, Willunga, Old Reynella, Ola Noarlunga, Clarendon and Kangarilla
- the inappropriateness of a zone that has no density controls in our greenfield areas of Aldinga and in the future, Sellicks Beach
- significantly increasing the fee for regulated tree removals to more accurately reflect the true cost of a replacement tree
- impacting land uses such as petrol filling stations, shops and light industry not being identified as restricted land uses in the sensitive Hills Face, Conservation and Open Space Zones
- the reduction in minimum allotment sizes to 300 square metres (from the current 325 square metres), which doesn’t consider our unique issues such as topography, bushfire design, significant remnant vegetation and unsewered areas
- the potential for a second dwelling on rural lots, which is at odds with Onkaparinga’s long-standing policy and contradicts the Character Preservation District intent, which is to retain and enhances the character of our beautiful rural areas.
“Councils’ combined voice should not be ignored because we’re here to represent our communities’ needs,” Mayor Thompson said.
“If they’re going to take away our community’s rights to be involved in the assessment process, then they at least need to make sure they get the policy right in the first place.
“We look forward to working with the Commission to ensure the final version of the code is a document that reflects and aligns with City of Onkaparinga’s current Development Plan.”
MORE INFORMATION
You can view the draft code and have your say at the Plan SA website until Friday 18 December.