‘Old but not stupid’: Stirling and district residents group vows to fight proposed planning code changes
A mass protest may be on the cards for Stirling residents looking for ways to stop future high-rise developments along the iconic main street.
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Stirling residents are threatening to blockade the town’s historic main street over proposed planning code changes, which they say may allow six-storey buildings.
Members of the Stirling District Residents Association are worried their town could be turned into the next “Noosa” if the State Government’s proposed planning code changes were to be approved.
Under the new code, the popular Hills town could be opened up to more subdivision and development, including semi high-rises of up to six storeys.
Chairman John Hill, on behalf of the association’s 300 members, said preserving the Hills country lifestyle should be the number one priority.
He said residents would not hesitate to stage a mass protest to have their voices heard.
“We don’t want to see buildings of four to six storeys in Stirling and other Hills townships, or even a block of flats in an area that’s zoned country living,” he said.
“But all this and more is possible under the new planning code in its current form which is set to replace the current Adelaide Hills Council Development Plan in September 2020.
“This new code is being marketed as a new more efficient computerised planning tool, but in reality, it appears to also be a Trojan horse to bring in major changes to what can be developed without the community being fully aware of them combined with removal of notification and representation rights.
“We don’t want that. So if we have to, we’ll lock down Stirling’s main street in protest, with police and all. We’ve done so before, and we’ll do it again.”
A petition opposing new planning guidelines has been submitted by Adelaide Hills Council, which flagged the loss of desired character statements and scenic routes among the key concerns.
A poll conducted by the Adelaide Hills News also showed an overwhelming concern over planning code changes, with 65 per cent of almost 800 voters stating they did want to see more subdivision of land and development in the Adelaide Hills.
Retired town planner and Crafers resident Kevin O’Leary said the code, as presented, favoured only developers.
“If the code is approved, we could see ‘medium scale’ developments – which means anything up to six storey,” he said.
“The current limit is two storey, which is where it should stay. We don’t want another Noosa.”
Stirling resident Dilys Meldrum said she moved to the Hills for its unique country feel and would fight to see the lifestyle preserved.
“We are in danger of losing why we come here and see it under threat is just horrible,” she said.
“We pay high rates here for a reason, and it isn’t to see the Hills destroyed by more development.
“So we really need special consideration in this new plan, as Stirling isn’t your typical city suburb. It’s a country town.”
In a statement to the Adelaide Hills News, a State Government spokeswoman said authorities acknowledged “the important and unique aspects” of the Adelaide Hills.
“The State Government is having ongoing, collaborative dialogue with senior planning staff from the Adelaide Hills Council on the most suitable way to transition their current planning framework to the draft planning and design code,” she said.
“We will review all feedback received on the draft code and look to make improvements where they are considered appropriate and are aligned with current development policies for the area.”