Greater Shepparton City Council has taken a step towards enhancing the development of Shepparton North by adopting an amendment to the Greater Shepparton Planning Scheme.
This amendment integrates the Shepparton North Sub-Regional Activity Centre Structure Plan, approved at council’s April meeting.
Previously, growth in this area was hindered by unclear zoning applications and undefined development roles.
To address these issues, council developed a structure plan guided by an ‘Issues, Opportunities and Emerging Challenges Paper’.
This plan identifies several challenges, including limited land use diversity, competitive site designation for potential supermarkets and a dependency on cars, which diminishes pedestrian and residential amenities.
The adopted structure plan proposes the creation of a Shepparton North Activity Centre, featuring two main retail nodes located between Ford Rd and Hawkins St.
The SNAC is situated irregularly around Numurkah Rd/Goulburn Valley Hwy, incorporating significant landmarks such as the Shepparton Sports and Events Centre and extending from north of Wanganui Rd to south of Hawkins St.
The plan aims to transform Shepparton North into a fully integrated activity centre by enhancing connectivity and co-ordination among currently underdeveloped sites.
During its public exhibition from November 14 to December 14, 2023, the plan amendment received 17 submissions.
Since not all issues raised could be resolved directly, the council requested the Victorian planning minister appoint an independent planning panel.
The panel, recognising the plan’s ambitious vision for the next two to three decades, endorsed the amendment, recommending its adoption with seven modifications.
Mayor Shane Sali said council considered the panel report and resolved to submit the amendment with changes to the Greater Shepparton Planning Scheme to the planning minister for approval.
“The amendment provides clear direction for development in Shepparton North and certainty to landowners and developers regarding areas suitable for development,” he said.
“It will also direct commercial development to provide a compact and vibrant activity centre which will service residents in the northern part of Shepparton.”
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