The proposed plan change seeks to better define permitted activities in residential zones. Such activities would be limited to two people working in a total area of 40 square meters. Under the PDP there would be limits on signage and vehicle activity. Some see this proposed change as allowing for prostitution and this appears to have given rise to claims that suburban brothels will be an unintended consequence.
Council believes it unlikely that easily identified, home-based brothels will appear in residential areas as a result of them being permitted, if the change is adopted. Given the nature of their business and community attitudes, it is hard to imagine that such enterprises would want to draw attention to themselves, even if they were allowed to. As most of us are not retired Environment Court Judges, or in fact have the time , knowledge or resources to read and understand or challenge the PDP, surly we need to rely on those members of our community that we pay to review and produce these documents to at least put us on notice of such changes.
And then to have our elected representatives survey our thoughts and opinions in order to prompt full and frank discussion as to how we deal with such a polarizing issue. No cause for alarm Given the nature of their business and community attitudes, it is hard to imagine that such enterprises would want to draw attention to themselves, even if they were allowed to.
As you know hearings are suspended while the PDP undergoes an independent review. One has to wonder how many other items like this are hidden in the PDP.
