The draft plan was adopted at Eurobodalla Shire Council’s July meeting. It has yet to be approved by the State Government and is also to be exhibited for public comment.

Council decided in 2006 to prepare a new LEP to replace the existing Urban and Rural LEPs.

The proposal to alter the zoning of Oaks Ranch to SP3 Tourist and RE2 Private Recreational zones follows an approach by Provent Property Group seeking council’s support for a major redevelopment, which would include an 18-hole golf course, five-star tourist accommodation, equine facilities, resort and conference facilities for up to 200 delegates along with retail and convenience outlets.

Also included is a residential development with 85 dwellings.

Development group manager Lindsay Usher told councillors that the NSW Planning Department had advised it would not support residential development at Oaks Ranch. Therefore the draft LEP did not include provision for that to happen.

Other proposed changes are aimed at allowing 30 more dwellings to be built at The Moorings, Toma-

kin, and an increase from the current maximum of 14 metres (four storeys) to 16 metres at the Catalina Club in connection with a motel and apartment proposal.

It is also proposed to impose a limit of 1000 square metres on any new retail premises in Batemans Bay town centre. However, the State Planning Department has told council more justification for such a cap is required.