Redland City Council 2018 Planning Scheme

Redland announces new planning scheme (2018)

Redland City Council’s 2018 City Plan commenced on 8 October 2018. There are some challenges in this version of the planning scheme. In particular vegetation clearing is now assessable development for land that is included in the Environmental Significance overlay.

What does this mean?

It means that even if clearing native vegetation isn’t assessable under the Vegetation Management Act it may still be assessable under the planning scheme. By disconnecting the tree clearing from the development, it can result in the development being allowed while the clearing might not and thus the development cannot proceed.

What does this mean for subdividers and developers?

It means that before it is possible to decide if a development might be able to go ahead ecological surveys and assessments might be required. This will involve extended due diligence periods and costs before taking the feasibility investigation any further. Essentially any lot with this overlay has become less attractive for development and thus possibly worth less in the market.

There will be a small window of time, for a period of 12 months after the new scheme comes into force, where the land owner can apply for a “superseded” planning scheme assessment. There is no guarantee that council will agree to that or that even if agreed, whether it would be approved. If you purchase after this date then this is not an option so the vendor wold need to remain the owner and make the application. So contact us before making your land purchase or signing the contract as your project may need special conditions to ensure an opportunity.