Draft framework set for Bega town centre

August 16, 2007: A significant step has been taken in developing guidelines for the future look of the Bega town centre and central business district.

The draft Planning Report and associated Design Guidelines and Development Control Plan (DCP) for the town centre will go on public exhibition from Wednesday August 22 until Friday, October 5 and provides the essential framework for the evolution of Bega as the regional centre of the shire.

Council’s Acting Planning, Environment and Development Director Tony McDermott said the control plan would impact across the shire and some people outside of the shire.

“The aim of the Design Guidelines and DCP is to establish development principles and design criteria to guide future development in Bega’s town centre,” Mr McDermott said.

The plans explore a number of options for a series of sections of the town.

There are four parts to the plans on exhibition:

• A “Planning Report” which proposes the 20 year vision for steering Bega into its role of Regional Commercial Centre.
• A Draft Development Control Plan which proposes various controls to achieve the visions in the planning report.
• A Design Guidelines booklet which sets ideas for the style and character of new development and redevelopment.
• A proposed amendment to Councils LEP to rezone and reclassify some lands in the Civic Precinct to enable consideration of larger retail projects such as that being explored by Council and Woolworths.

“There has been considerable community consultation in developing the draft guidelines, including public meetings and Council’s consultation team have taken those comments on board when compiling the draft document,” Mr McDermott said.

“Council recently reviewed progress on the set of plans and directed that staff and the consultant team formalise the package for public exhibition.”

The planning report also proposes wider zoning options in Bega for the consolidation of the current commercial zones, conversion of some residential and industrial areas into fringe commercial and bulky goods areas and a preferred use for the “Spenco” site.

“We have also looked to protect heritage, improve energy efficiency, plan for the eventual by-pass and encourage increased residential densities and living opportunities in and adjoining the town centre,” Mr McDermott said.

“An important aspect of the controls is to ensure any major retail development is sited within the existing town core so the vitality of Bega as a single, compact and accessible town centre is assured.”

Mr McDermott encouraged people to comment on the three documents.
“This is an exciting time for the future development and the commercial hub of our shire,” he said.

“Council will hold a public information session on Wednesday, August 29, from 6pm in the Bega Town Hall and I would encourage people to hear from our consultants and raise questions on the draft.

“We have also extended the exhibition period so people will have plenty of time to take on board the findings of the report and make appropriate comment in writing.”

Council will resolve final positions on the town centre once it has considered public submissions and input from the State Department of Planning.

The draft planning report, guidelines and DCP will be on public exhibition from August 22 until October 5 at Council’s Bega Office, the Bermagui, Merimbula and Eden libraries and on the website at: www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au. Copies of the documents are available for purchase from Council’s Bega office for $5 each.

Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager, Bega Valley Shire Council, PO Box 492, Bega, NSW, 2550 or council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and submit no later than October 5, 2007. Inquiries can be directed to Sophie Thomson on 6499 2222.