Victorian Government planning initiatives
The Victorian Government is implementing major changes to the planning system which could dramatically alter the character of your neighbourhood.
The key reforms include:
- The introduction of Housing Targets
- The Activity Centre Pilot Program – Hampton East/Moorabbin
- Suburban Rail Loop Precinct Planning
- State Residential Design Standard (ResCode) Review
The Victorian Government has not undertaken proper analysis of the implications of proposed growth on the need for more public open space, schools, health services, drainage and sewage systems which are all critical to support population growth as a result of increased housing.
We want to ensure that the community is aware of these reforms and how they could impact the liveability of Bayside.
Housing Targets
The introduction of the proposed Housing Targets seeks to almost double the number of dwellings in our city by adding an additional 31,000 dwellings to the 44,100 currently existing in our municipality.
This housing target is meant to be achieved by 2051 and will require annual development levels in the municipality to increase by 150% of what they have been over the last 10 years. In order to accommodate such an uplift in dwelling numbers it is clear that this will only be achieved via increased densities and increased building heights across the municipality.
Council is supportive of housing growth in suitable areas. For many years, we have been developing a clear planning framework that provides clarity and certainty to our community and developers alike where increased housing densities are supported.
Council’s Housing Strategy has been the strategic basis in the development of our Structure Plans which have been developed for all of our Activity Centres after extensive community consultation and participation, including Independent Planning Panels for absolute transparency and accountability.
ResCode changes
Developments in Bayside could be generically designed, built closer to the street and take up more space on a site under planning changes proposed by the Victorian Government.
The changes to the State Residential Design Standards (ResCode) pose a significant threat to the neighbourhood character and amenity of Bayside.
The ResCode changes include:
- Reducing rights to object to planning applications in some circumstances
- Removing neighbourhood character and street integration standards
- Removing overlooking and screening requirements
- Reducing maximum street setbacks from 9 metres to 6 metres
- Increasing building site coverage
- Allowing all canopy trees (except those listed as significant) to be removed if retained tree canopy covers 10% of a site.
Council is extremely concerned that the changes will remove our ability to adequately assess planning applications and will potentially compromise the quality of developments. The changes being proposed have not been subject to community engagement with little transparency.
Read our submission on the ResCode changes
Hampton East/Moorabbin Activity Centre
Hampton East/Moorabbin is one of 10 proposed activity centres across Melbourne in which the Victorian Government will have control of planning decisions including building heights and design.
The Activity Centre Program is part of the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement to increase housing supply. This includes a target of an additional 31,000 houses in Bayside by 2051, a 70 per cent increase in housing.
Council has grave concerns with the process and delivery of the Activity Centre Program which is raised in our most recent submission to the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA).
Submit your feedback to the VPA
Read our submission to the VPA
Suburban Rail Loop precinct planning
The Victorian Government’s Suburban Rail Loop project and their proposed Precinct Key Directions for Cheltenham may significantly impact Bayside and dramatically change the neighbourhood character of Highett, Hampton East, Cheltenham and Pennydale.
Excessive height limits, increased traffic congestion and a squeeze on open space and community infrastructure are just some of the potential impacts on Bayside.
Council is gravely concerned regarding the disconnect between the draft Precinct Key Directions, and the density and heights being proposed. There are also significant concerns as to how the draft Precinct Structure Plan will be delivered. Concerns include
- Building heights and density
- Traffic and transport management, including the proposed narrowing of Bay Road
- Lack of open space
- The impact of introducing developer contributions
What you can do
Make your voice heard on the Victorian Government’s plans for Bayside.
- Share your feedback on the Hampton East/Moorabbin Activity Centre before 29 September – go to Moorabbin Activity Centre, or email moorabbin@vpa.vic.gov.au
- The Victorian Government is not actively seeking community feedback on the proposed changes to ResCode, Plan for Victoria and the housing targets but you can make your concerns known to the Minister for Planning and the Department using the contact information below:
- Contact the Department of Transport and Planning on 9655 6666
- Email the Minister of Planning, sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au
- Subscribe to our SRL Have Your Say page to be kept up to date on opportunities for feedback.
