Following community engagement sessions around proposed changes to Byron Shire Council policy around rural weddings, public submissions will close Friday April 13.
Council staff say that under current planning legislation, a commercial venue for weddings or events is defined as a Function Centre. In the rural zones, RU1 and RU2, Function Centres are prohibited.
‘Council has been aware of a number of rural sites operating as wedding venues without approval. In some cases, Council has issued notices and fines.’
‘In particular, noise and traffic associated with weddings and events can, if not well managed, result in adverse impacts on neighbours and the rural amenity.
‘Council would like to take a more active approach to rural weddings and events. Council is considering policy solutions to manage and control weddings and events within the rural zones, through planning controls.
‘An approvals process could introduce effective measures to ensure events do not cause adverse impacts on the neighbouring amenity. By permitting Function Centres in rural zones RU1 and RU2, Council could implement legislative provisions relating to site suitability and event management to ensure that rural events happen in suitable locations in ways that minimise local disturbance.’
For more info visit www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/rural-weddings-and-event
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