The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is calling for feedback on two draft guidelines for distances between industries and homes and schools.
Inviting input, the Authority said separating incompatible land uses protected communities from industries and activities that posed health, safety and amenity risks.
“Buffers and separation distances are often used as a planning tool to address these risks by keeping conflicting land uses apart,” the EPA said.
“They also protect existing industry from inappropriate land use and development nearby,” it said.
“As Victoria continues to grow, there is pressure to ensure new land use and development is compatible with existing land uses.”
The EPA said in-field experience and evidence-based research had informed its updated Separation distance guideline and Landfill buffer guideline, open for feedback until 17 February.
It said the guidelines reflected current knowledge on recommended separation distances, landfill buffers and methods to apply them.
“The proposed guidelines will support planning authorities, responsible authorities, industry, developers, the community and EPA,” the Authority said.
“Once finalised, it is intended that the guidelines will be referenced in the Victoria Planning Provisions,” it said.
“This means planning decision makers will be required to consider the guidelines as relevant.”
Further information on the draft guidelines can be accessed at this PS News link.
