Farming Zone

Prior to preparing an application for a planning permit, it is essential that you understand the relevant policies and provisions applying to the land and how these affect Council's consideration of your application.

Purpose of the Farming Zone

The purpose of the Farming Zone, as described in Clause 35.07 of the Horsham Planning Scheme is:

• To implement the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Planning Policy Framework
• To provide for the use of land for Agriculture
• To encourage the retention of productive agricultural land
• To ensure that non-agricultural uses, including dwellings, do not adversely affect the use of land for agriculture
• To encourage the retention of employment and population to support rural communities
• To encourage use and development of land based on comprehensive and sustainable land management practices and infrastructure provision
• To provide for the use and development of land for the specific purposes identified in a schedule to this zone.

Policy Basis for the Farming Zone (FZ)

The Horsham Planning Scheme (specifically Clause 02.03-4 & 02.03-7) recognises that primary production and the processing of that product underpins the municipality and the region's economy. Council acknowledges that there is a demand for rural living opportunities in the Shire, but adequate land has been allocated to accommodate this demand.

Furthermore, Horsham's local policy in regards to rural areas is outlined in Clause 14.01-1L - Protection of agricultural land - Horsham (Local Policy). Isolated dwellings in rural areas have the potential to disrupt agricultural activities. It is therefore important to manage the use and development of dwellings in Rural areas. The following Clauses are also important to note and address:

• Clause 02-03-4 - Natural resource management (Agriculture)
• Clause 02-03-7 - Economic Development (Agricultural sector)
• Clause 14.01-1S - Protection of agricultural land (State Policy)
• Clause 14.01-1L - Protection of agricultural land (Local Horsham Policy)
• Clause 14.01-2S - Sustainable agricultural land use (State Policy)
• Clause 14.01-2R - Agricultural productivity - Wimmera Southern Mallee (Regional Policy)
• Clause 14.01-2L - Intensive agriculture - Horsham
• Clause 16.01-3S - Rural residential development (State policy)
• Clause 16.01-3L - Rural residential development (Local Horsham Policy)

Dwellings in the Farming Zone

Dwellings on small lots in the Farming Zone are generally discouraged, unless they are required in order to conduct an agricultural activity on the site. The proposed dwelling must also not impact on farming practices both on the site and nearby properties.

Small lots in the Farming Zone are not appropriate for rural residential living, unlike the Rural Living Zone or Low Density Residential Zone, which are established for those wishing to reside on larger lots or in rural areas without necessarily farming the land.

This ensures that conflict associated with farming practices is minimised and the value of farming land is maintained and not impacted upon. The proliferation of dwellings on small lots can change the character of a locality and result in a loss of agricultural land forever.

If a dwelling is proposed in the Farming Zone, applicants are required to provide an Integrated Land Management Plan which should outline (but not be limited to); the address, owner details, business description, existing and proposed agricultural use, expansion, improvement, income, expenditure, market research, staging, infrastructure, management and any other relevant information to support the proposal.

Information Sheet - Rural Dwellings in the Farming Zone(PDF, 3MB)