DEVELOPERS will now be required to show diversity in design and block shapes when seeking council planning approval, under proposed changes to city planning regulations.
The move eliminates the cookie-cutter approach to development, synonymous with urban sprawl.
New planning regulations were approved at a special meeting of Logan City Council last week.
In other changes, busy suburbs Springwood, Underwood and Holmview will be expanded to provide additional opportunities for development.
There will be a need for clearer guidelines for service stations and places of worship in terms of location, size and impact on their surrounding areas.
There will be support for nature-based experiences in rural areas in a bid to boost tourism.
And the city’s flood risk management approach will be updated to meet state government requirements, which is likely to mean a rise in levels recorded on the city’s flood maps.
Changes are to the Logan Plan 2025, and according to council, address matters raised by residents, business owners and other stakeholders regarding development.
Mayor Darren Power says it puts the city at the forefront of best-practice planning and urban design.
“These proposed changes will ensure future development occurs in areas where it makes sense, and in ways that best serve our community’s needs and lifestyles,” Cr Power said.
Council’s planning chief Jon Raven, said there would be further input from residents to help fine-tune Logan Plan 2025.
“We know that good planning creates great outcomes, which is critical for the City of Logan’s future,” Cr Raven said.
Changes will be written into draft policy, which will undergo legal review before being submitted to the state government for consideration.
That will be followed by formal community and stakeholder consultation.
State legislation requires local governments to review and refresh their planning schemes every 10 years.
The City of Logan’s existing planning scheme commenced in 2015.
