The Victorian Government has introduced major reforms to the planning system in a bid to address the housing shortage. The changes will significantly increase housing density over the next 25+ years across Knox and the rest of Melbourne.
The planning reforms were introduced with little consultation with councils and community members. Mandated housing targets have been set for each council, with Knox Council successfully advocating to reduce our target from 47,000 to 43,000 new dwellings by 2051 to help ensure growth is sustainable.
The revised target still represents an almost 75% increase in housing across Knox. Council has cautioned that substantial housing growth must be matched with plans and increased funding for infrastructure and services to support a growing population, which unfortunately the government's plan has not yet resolved.
To streamline planning decisions, the government has rapidly introduced a range of reforms to planning schemes across the state to accelerate and boost housing approvals.
New standards have been introduced for townhouses and apartment buildings up to three storeys, previously known as ResCode and now called the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code. Many design requirements have been relaxed, allowing housing to be built on a larger proportion of the land. Notable changes include loss of neighbourhood character considerations, shrinking front and backyard space, overshadowing and overlooking impacts to neighbours. Many local design standards have also been removed.
When applications for these developments meet the Code, you will no longer have the right to appeal decisions at the Victorian Civic Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Knox is known for its green and leafy character, which is highly valued by our residents. Until the introduction of these changes, Council prioritised and protected neighbourhood character when making planning decisions. The removal of neighbourhood character considerations for these developments leaves Council without the tools needed to protect this important aspect of our neighbourhoods.
The government has also increased its decision-making authority on local planning matters while reducing Council's role and decision-making ability. Developers of major projects can now apply directly to the Minister for Planning and bypass Council. Ministerial decisions cannot be appealed at VCAT. Examples of potential major projects include hospitals and medical centres costing at least $30M, residential development costing at least $50M , office buildings of at least 10,000 square metres, or mineral extraction of resources with a minimum value of $30M.
More information
Visit the state government website for further information.
