Council has adopted a planning scheme amendment that places the character and community of Highton Village Shopping Centre at its core.
Proposed Amendment C457ggee to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme responds to current retail and residential activity, anticipated growth, community feedback and the precinct's designation as an increased housing diversity area.
Following extensive consultation, previous Council resolutions and an independent panel review, the amendment includes:
- rezoning council car parks at 1A Taylor Court and 19 Belle Vue Avenue, along with roads within the Highton Village Shopping Centre, to Commercial 1 Zone; and
- applying a new Design and Development Overlay Schedule 52 to manage building heights, design and setbacks.
The amendment was exhibited for public comment in late 2024 and received 25 submissions.
In February, Council considered a revised Amendment C457ggee that removed the Highton Village Urban Design Framework (UDF) as a background document.
Council also resolved to reduce the overall preferred maximum building height to two storeys and refer all submissions to an independent panel appointed by the Minister for Planning.
In May, the panel endorsed all post-exhibition changes proposed by Council, finding they were strategically justified. The report concluded the amendment would deliver a net community benefit and support sustainable development.
At the August council meeting, Council accepted the independent panel's recommendations in adopting Amendment C457ggee.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Highton Village means a lot to many people, and council has listened closely to those views. Our commitment is to protect what makes this precinct special, while supporting the commercial needs of the shopping centre and planning for the future.
I thank all those who took the time to provide feedback by contacting councillors, attending meetings or making formal submissions. Your input is vital in making decisions.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson, Barrabool Hills Ward councillor
Thank you to the community members and traders who continue to strive for the best for Highton Village. More than 4,500 people signed a petition, organised by Highton resident Graham Hobbs, related to the Highton Village Urban Design Framework (UDF). Councillors have listened to your feedback during the consultation phases and made adjustments to the amendment on your behalf, including to the building height limits.
Having an independent lens over the amendment and submissions was an extremely important part of this process, and we have been given a clear recommendation by the panel to adopt the amendment in its revised form. We recognise significant changes have been made that balance community concerns, reflect existing activities and plan for sustainable growth.
The amendment has been submitted to the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, for final approval.
Find the proposed Amendment C457ggee and Panel Report documents on our website .
