knox city council · 2013. 11. 29. · 316. 10.4 . all wards audit committee annual report...

KNOX CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Ordinary Meeting of Council

Held at the Civic Centre

511 Burwood Highway Wantirna South

On

Tuesday 26 November 2013

KNOX CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES FOR THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD AT THE

CIVIC CENTRE, 511 BURWOOD HIGHWAY, WANTIRNA SOUTH ON

TUESDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2013 AT 7.00 P.M. PRESENT:

Cr D Pearce (Mayor & Chairperson) Taylor Ward Cr P Lockwood Baird Ward Cr J Mortimore Chandler Ward Cr J Cossari Collier Ward Cr Karin Orpen Dobson Ward Cr T Holland Friberg Ward Cr D Cooper Scott Ward Cr N Seymour Tirhatuan Ward Mr G Emonson Chief Executive Officer Dr I Bell Director – Engineering & Infrastructure Mr A Kourambas Director - City Development Mr M Dupe Director – Corporate Development Ms K Stubbings Director – Community Services Mr R Thomas Manager - Governance

THE MEETING OPENED WITH A STATEMENT OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND A STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

“Knox City Council acknowledges we are on the

traditional land of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people and pay our respects to elders both past and present.”

BUSINESS: Page Nos. 1. APOLOGIES AND REQUESTS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE Nil 2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST Nil 3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

MOVED: CR. COOPER SECONDED: CR. COSSARI 3.1 Confirmation of Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council

held on Tuesday 22 October 2013 CARRIED MOVED: CR. COOPER SECONDED: CR. COSSARI 3.2 Confirmation of Minutes of Statutory Meeting held on Wednesday,

6 November 2013 CARRIED MOVED: CR. COOPER SECONDED: CR. COSSARI 3.3 Confirmation of Minutes of Strategic Planning Committee Meeting

held on Tuesday 12 November 2013 CARRIED

4. PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS 4.1 Councillor Lockwood presented a petition with 27 signatories

requesting Council to put traffic measures in place to limit traffic to local traffic only in Western Road, Boronia.

The Petition lay on the table.

COUNCIL 26 November 2013 4. PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS (cont'd)

4.2 MOVED: CR. COSSARI SECONDED: CR. ORPEN That Council: 1. Express its condolences to the people of the Visayas region in the

Philippines after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. 2. Write to the Australian Filipino Community Services with an

expression of our support. CARRIED

5. REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS

5.1

Committees & Delegates

1.

5.2

Ward Issues

5.

6. CONSIDERING AND ORDERING UPON OFFICERS’ REPORTS WITHIN THE

CITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP

6.1

All Wards Report Of Planning Applications Decided Under Delegation (160/1/06)

8.

6.2

Chandler Ward Development Of A Two (2) Storey Apartment Building Containing Fifteen (15) Dwellings, Basement Carpark, And Reduction Of Car Parking Spaces At 32 Bambury Street, Boronia, Melway Ref. 65 B8 (P2012/6709).

15.

6.3

Friberg Ward Application To Develop The Land With Three (3) Dwellings Comprising Two (2) Double Storey Dwellings And One (1) Single Storey Dwelling At 43 David Street, Knoxfield, Melway Ref. 73 C5 (Application No. P2012/6821)

46.

6.4

Tirhatuan Ward Draft Rowville Plan

81.

6.5

All Wards Draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013 And Planning Scheme Amendment C131 (Housing And Rowville Plan)

95.

6.6

All Wards Knox City Council Submission To State Government’s Draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy

127.

COUNCIL 26 November 2013 7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (Following the completion of business relating to Item 6, City Development, the business before the Council Meeting will be deferred to consider questions submitted by the public). 163. 8. CONSIDERING AND ORDERING UPON OFFICERS’ REPORTS WITHIN THE

ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP

8.1

Dobson Ward Child Friendly Streets Program

164.

8.2

All Wards Progress Report on Implementation of Asset Management

177.

8.3

All Wards Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Program Review

190.

8.4

Friberg Ward Awarding Of Contract No. 2009 – Reconstruction Of Soccer And Cricket Ovals, Knox Park, Knoxfield

209.

9. CONSIDERING AND ORDERING UPON OFFICERS’ REPORTS WITHIN THE

COMMUNITY SERVICES GROUP

9.1

All Wards Annual Report – Early Years Advisory Committee And Municipal Early Years Plan 2011-2015

216.

9.2

All Wards Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation - Annual Report

237.

9.3

All Wards Sporting Reserve Facility Usage Policy Review

268.

9.4

All Wards Final Draft Knox Community Health And Wellbeing Strategy 2013-17

285.

COUNCIL 26 November 2013 10. CONSIDERING AND ORDERING UPON OFFICERS’ REPORTS WITHIN THE

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT GROUP

10.1

All Wards 2014 Council Meeting Schedule

294.

10.2

All Wards Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation Meetings Procedure And Use Of Common Seal Local Law

298.

10.3

All Wards 2013-14 Annual Plan Progress Report To 30 September 2013

316.

10.4

All Wards Audit Committee Annual Report 2012/2013

319.

10.5

All Wards Audit Committee Terms Of Reference

334.

10.6

All Wards Management Financial Report for the Quarter Ended 30 September 2013

352.

10.7

All Wards 2013-14 Mid-Year Budget Review

362.

10.8

All Wards Local Government Electoral Review

376.

10.9

Dinsdale Ward Proposed Sale Of Council Property - 13 Cullis Parade, Bayswater (Melway Ref: 64 F5)

392.

11. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

11.1

All Wards Works Report as at 7 November 2013

397.

11.2

All Wards Assemblies of Councillors

415.

12. MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN GIVEN 427. 13. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS 427.

COUNCIL 26 November 2013 14. URGENT BUSINESS 427. 14.1 Urgent Business 427. 14.2 Call Up Items 427. 15. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE 427. GRAEME EMONSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

1 COUNCIL - REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS 26 November 2013

5. REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS

5.1 Committees & Delegates 5.1.1 COUNCILLOR TONY HOLLAND Councillor Holland attended the following Meetings

· Audit Committee · Tirhatuan Ward Reception · Mayoral Reception for Emergency Services and Service Clubs · Revitalising Shopping Strips Business Breakfast · Knox Housing Advisory Committee · Community Development Fund Presentations · Knox Remembrance Day Service, Tim Neville Arboretum · Remembrance Day Service, Knox City Council Civic Centre · Statutory Meeting of Council · Knox 50th Anniversary Party in the Park · Meet the Mayor Function · Economic Development Committee 5.1.2 COUNCILLOR NICOLE SEYMOUR Councillor Seymour attended the following Meetings

· Knox Playgroup Network · Tirhatuan Ward Reception · Official Opening Garden Grove Park, Harcrest Wantirna · Mayoral Reception for Emergency Services and Service Clubs · Rowville Netball Club · Chief Executive Officer's Performance Evaluation Committee · Knox Housing Advisory Committee · Community Development Fund Presentations · Carrington Park Masterplan · Berrabri Preschool Annual General Meeting · Stamford Park Project Steering Committee · Youth Issues Advisory Committee · Statutory Meeting of Council · Knox 50th Anniversary Party in the Park · Rowville-Lysterfield Rotary Club · Funding Announcement by Hon Kim Wells MP and Nick Wakeling MP

regarding Floodlighting Project at Park Ridge Reserve · Stamford Park Community Reference Group


5.1 Committees & Delegates (cont'd)

5.1.3 COUNCILLOR DAVID COOPER Councillor Cooper attended the following Meetings

· Knox Remembrance Day Service, Tim Neville Arboretum · Stamford Park Project Steering Committee · Knox Transfer Station and Recycling Facility Management Advisory

Committee · Flamingo Preschool Annual General Meeting · Knox Central Advisory Committee · Statutory Meeting of Council · Knox 50th Anniversary Party in the Park · Planning Consultative Committee · Environment Advisory Committee 5.1.4 COUNCILLOR JOHN MORTIMORE Councillor Mortimore attended the following Meetings

· Launch of Children's Book Mordred · Knox Affordable Housing Reference Group · Tirhatuan Ward Reception · Knox Housing Advisory Committee · Community Development Fund Presentations · Remembrance Day Service, Knox City Council Civic Centre · Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action · Statutory Meeting of Council · Knox 50th Anniversary Party in the Park · Meet the Mayor Function · Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo · Environment Advisory Committee · Knox Healthy Ageing Advisory Committee (x 2) · Knox Disability Advisory Committee (x 2) · Meeting with Alan Tudge, MP regarding Alchester Village


5.1 Committees & Delegates (cont'd) 5.1.5 COUNCILLOR KARIN ORPEN Councillor Orpen attended the following Meetings

· Municipal Association of Victoria Service Awards · Tirhatuan Ward Reception · Official Opening Garden Grove Park, Harcrest Wantirna · Mayoral Reception for Emergency Services and Service Clubs · Revitalising Shopping Strips Business Breakfast · Official Launch Knox Council Revegetation Plan · Chief Executive Officer's Performance Evaluation Committee · White Ribbon Day Event, Say No to Violence Against Women · Community Development Fund Presentations · Maroondah Mayoral Charity Dinner · Meeting with Knox Police representative and Nick Wakeling, MP · Knox Remembrance Day Service, Tim Neville Arboretum · Statutory Meeting of Council · Stamford Park Project Steering Committee · Submissions Hearing regarding Discontinuance and Sale of Road,

Ainsdale Avenue, Wantirna · Community Development Fund Committee Debriefing · Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade · Bena Angliss Preschool Annual General Meeting · Rotary Club of Boronia Presentation · F W Kerr Preschool Annual General Meeting · Stamford Park Community Reference Group · Illoura Early Intervention Centre Annual General Meeting 5.1.6 COUNCILLOR PETER LOCKWOOD Councillor Lockwood attended the following Meetings

· Citizenship Ceremony · Eastern Transport Coalition Committee · Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation Board · Community Development Fund Presentations · Mayoral Reception for Emergency Services and Service Clubs · Revitalising Shopping Strips Business Breakfast · Tirhatuan Ward Reception · By Design: Library Places and Spaces in Australia and New Zealand

Conference · Statutory Meeting of Council · Knox 50th Anniversary Party in the Park · Boronia West Primary School 50th Anniversary Celebration · Knox Gymnastics Club Inc Presentations · Inter Faith Network Joint Meeting with Knox Multicultural Advisory

Committee


5.1 Committees & Delegates (cont'd)

5.1.6 Councillor Peter Lockwood (cont'd) · Municipal Association of Victoria:

o Annual Conference o State Council o Board Meeting: § MAV Submission to Local Government Electoral Review Panel § Response to the Local Economic Development Inquiry report § MAV submission to the State Government’s Metropolitan Planning

Strategy § MAV Planning Improvement Conference § Resource implications of planning amendments

5.1.7 COUNCILLOR JOE COSSARI Councillor Cossari attended the following Meetings

· Municipal Association of Victoria Service Awards · Knox Central Advisory Committee · Statutory Meeting of Council · Knox 50th Anniversary Party in the Park · Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee · Victorian Local Governance Association Workshop 5.1.8 COUNCILLOR DARREN PEARCE (MAYOR) Councillor Pearce attended the following Meetings

· Audit Committee · Mayoral Reception for Emergency Services and Service Clubs · Citizenship Ceremony · Knox Remembrance Day Service, Tim Neville Arboretum · RSL State Remembrance Day Service · Stamford Park Project Steering Committee · Knox Central Advisory Committee · Statutory Meeting of Council · Knox 50th Anniversary Party in the Park · Boronia West Primary School 50th Anniversary Celebration · Shop Small Campaign · Meet the Mayor Function · Planning Consultative Committee · Friends Group Celebration for Volunteers · Judging of Knox@50 Colouring Competition


5.2 Ward Issues 5.2.1 COUNCILLOR HOLLAND (FRIBERG WARD) · Councillor Holland advised that he had attended five Preschool Annual

General Meetings in Friberg Ward. Councillor Holland was pleased to advise that there was a high level of volunteering on Preschool Committees. Councillor Holland also acknowledged the quality of Preschool Teachers and Assistants.

5.2.2 COUNCILLOR SEYMOUR (TIRHATUAN WARD) · Councillor Seymour advised that the recent Tirhatuan Ward Reception

was well attended by delegates of most of the 107 community groups within Tirhatuan Ward. Councillor Seymour further advised that feedback from the various groups indicated that the groups were forging relationships with each other.

· Councillor Seymour advised that 5 December, 2013 is International Volunteers Day and expressed thanks on behalf of Council to all volunteers across the Knox municipality.

· Councillor Seymour advised of feedback received from Scoresby residents that the Scoresby suburb was omitted from the recent Knox@50 newsletter.

· Councillor Seymour advised that the Carrington Park Masterplan has commenced preliminary scoping and that a call for tenders to manage the project process including consultation with community stakeholders should begin in February 2014.

5.2.3 COUNCILLOR MORTIMORE (CHANDLER WARD) · Councillor Mortimore expressed his thanks on behalf of Council for the

contribution of a community member of the Knox Disability Advisory Committee for over eight years service who has now retired from this Committee.

· Councillor Mortimore advised that The Basin Community House has celebrated its 25th anniversary and offered his congratulations on the growth of the organisation and its contribution to the community.

· Councillor Mortimore advised that The Basin Fire Brigade recently held an Open Day that was well attended by the community with over 450 people attending. Councillor Mortimore further advised that the Open Day highlighted to the community the importance of fire safety awareness.

· Councillor Mortimore advised of a local business owner who had expressed concerns with his insurance company not discounting his insurance premium to reflect collection of the Fire Services Levy by Council.

· Councillor Mortimore advised that on 24 October 2013 he had the pleasure of attending the book launch of Mordrid, a children's book based on the life of a blind Tawny Frogmouth raised by Yvonne Cowling. Councillor Mortimore presented to Council a painting of Mordrid by local artist, Kathleen Loxton.


5.2 Ward Issues (cont'd) 5.2.4 COUNCILLOR ORPEN (DOBSON WARD) · Councillor Orpen advised of the recent passing of the Secretary of the

Knox Historical Society. Councillor Orpen acknowledged the long term contribution of an enthusiastic member of the Knox Historical Society as well as the Boronia Fire Brigade.

· Councillor Orpen raised concerns expressed by the Captain of the Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade of overgrown median strips within the Burwood Highway and VicTrack owned lands in Upper Ferntree Gully.

· Councillor Orpen advised that the Captain is also concerned that in the event of an emergency within the Dandenong Ranges, particularly with the use of Parks Victoria properties to hold functions that this is a potentially disastrous situation. Councillor Orpen further advised of the Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade's request to open dialogue with Parks Victoria, Yarra Ranges Council and the State Government to control access during high fire danger periods.

5.2.5 COUNCILLOR LOCKWOOD (BAIRD WARD) · Councillor Lockwood was pleased to advise of upcoming Council events

in support of White Ribbon Day including 16 Days of Activism on Facebook and a cricket match to be held in 2014. Councillor Lockwood encouraged all people to intervene whenever possible and help prevent violence against women.

5.2.6 COUNCILLOR COSSARI (COLLIER WARD) · Councillor Cossari expressed concerns of behalf of the traders of

Wantirna Mall of the anti-social behaviour. Councillor Cossari advised that the traders have requested surveillance cameras be installed to increase safety in the area. Councillor Cossari also noted that $120,000 was promised in the lead up to the 2013 federal election for the installation of surveillance cameras. Councillor Cossari is keen to see this promise fulfilled.

· Councillor Cossari advised that he had been shocked by recent reports of an attack on a young woman in Knox. Councillor Cossari indicated that he believed the attack had been motivated by the young woman wearing a hijab. Councillor Cossari denounced the attack and called for greater understanding of cultural and religious tolerance in the community.


5.2 Ward Issues (cont'd)

5.2.7 COUNCILLOR PEARCE (TAYLOR WARD) · Councillor Pearce was pleased to advise the he recently attended the

25th Anniversary of the Eildon Park Cricket Club.

· Councillor Pearce advised that he has attended a celebration for Friends Group volunteers at Heany Park.

8 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013

ALL WARDS

6.1 REPORT OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED UNDER DELEGATION

SUMMARY: Manager – City Planning (Paul Dickie)

Details of planning applications considered under delegation are referred for information. It is recommended that the items be noted.

That the planning applications decided under delegation report (between 1 October to 31 October 2013) be noted.

RECOMMENDATION

Details of planning applications decided under delegation from 1 October to 31 October 2012 are attached. The applications are summarised as follows:

REPORT

Application Type No Building Extensions: Residential Other

12 4

Units 16 Industrial 1 Dwelling 4 Tree Removal/Pruning 22 Subdivision 18 Sign 4 Boundary Re-alignment 1 Amendment to Development Plan Overlay 7 – Subdivision 2 Change of Use 2 Industrial Walls 1 Fence 2

TOTAL 89

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. COSSARI SECONDED: CR. LOCKWOOD

That the planning applications decided under delegation report (between 1 October to 31 October 2013) be noted. CARRIED


Knox City Council Planning Applications Decided by Responsible Officer

1 October 2013 to 31 October 2013

Ward No/ Type Address Description Decision:

Baird 2013/6630 3/405 Dorset Road BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Buildings and works (alterations to the facade)

8/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6095 169 Dorset Road BORONIA VIC 3155

The construction of two (2) double storey dwellings to the rear of the existing dwelling and subdivision of the land into three (3) lots.

4/10/2013 Notice of Decision

Baird 2012/6816 1A/841 Mountain Highway BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Development of land for Warehouse/Industrial units with ancillary offices and car parking dispensation.

31/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2012/6796 8/841 Mountain Highway BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Buildings and works (addition and alterations to existing building), Use of the land for warehouse/showroom, research and development/office units and a cafe/restaurant and car parking dispensation.

8/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6343 48 Sinclair Road BAYSWATER VIC 3153

The construction of a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Baird 2013/6572 28 Western Road BORONIA VIC 3155

4 Lot Subdivision (approved development site)

23/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6360 90 Burke Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The construction of a two storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling

18/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6475 3 Stradbroke Road BORONIA VIC 3155

The development of the land for a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling

18/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6517 3 Phyllis Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

3 lot subdivision (approved development site)

3/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6534 59 Wattletree Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156


31/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6179 21 Aubrey Grove BORONIA VIC 3155

3 Lot Subdivision (Approved Development Site)

1/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2012/6724 50 Rankin Road BORONIA VIC 3155

Development of the land for a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling

3/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6121 46 Tulip Crescent BORONIA VIC 3155

Development of the land for one (1) double storey and two (2) single storey dwellings (3 dwellings)

15/10/2013 Approved

Baird 2013/6463 477-483 Dorset Road BAYSWATER VIC 3153 14 Lot Subdivision 2/10/2013

Approved

Baird 2013/6770 19 Park Boulevard FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Pruning of one Eucalyptus viminalis tree

30/10/2013 Approved



Baird 2013/6724 40 Western Road BORONIA VIC 3155

Removal of one (1) dead Eucalyptus sideroxylon

11/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6092 11 Allandale Road BORONIA VIC 3155

The development of the land for nine (9) double storey dwellings and removal of native vegetation


Chandler 2013/6467 11 Landscape Drive BORONIA VIC 3155

Buildings and works (extension to existing dwelling)

7/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6205 175 Albert Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

Development of the land for a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling and removal of vegetation


Chandler 2013/6685 4 Thelma Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155 Construction of a verandah 11/10/2013

Approved

Chandler 2013/6737 1080 Mountain Highway BORONIA VIC 3155

The removal of one (1) Corymbia citriodora (Lemon scented Gum)

23/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6480 19 View Road THE BASIN VIC 3154

Buildings and works to construct a split level dwelling and vegetation removal

25/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6695 13 Montana Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

Removal of one Eucalyptus obliqua and two Cupressus arizonica

4/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6667 24 Augusta Road THE BASIN VIC 3154

Construction of buildings and works to the existing dwelling

17/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6437 9A Doongalla Road THE BASIN VIC 3154

Buildings and Works (Additions and Alterations to Existing Dwelling)

8/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6716 63 Daffodil Road BORONIA VIC 3155

The removal of three trees (Liquidambar styraciflua, Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum', Betula pendula)

11/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2012/6887 34 Toorak Avenue THE BASIN VIC 3154

Addition to existing dwelling, construction of associated garage and tree removal

3/10/2013 Approval

Chandler 2013/6626 1250 Mountain Highway THE BASIN VIC 3154

2 Lot Subdivision (Approved Unit Site)

9/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6472 13 Parker Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

Buildings and Works (Additions to existing Dwelling)

8/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6549 958 Mountain Highway BORONIA VIC 3155


22/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6766 7 Camelia Crescent THE BASIN VIC 3154

Remove two trees (Eucalyptus obliqua and Acacia melanoxylon) and prune two trees (2 x Eucalyptus obliqua)

29/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6677 4 Blythe Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

Removal of one Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney Blue Gum)

23/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6686 17 Carnarvon Avenue THE BASIN VIC 3154

Pruning of Two Trees (Melaleuca linariifolia, Banksia integrifolia)

2/10/2013 Approved



Chandler 2013/6761 29 Landscape Drive BORONIA VIC 3155

Prune one Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate Stringybark)

31/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6734 15 Moncoe Street BORONIA VIC 3155

Cut down the two Liquidambar styraciflua trees to one-third their current size.

30/10/2013 Refused

Chandler 2013/6696 33 Lockwoods Road BORONIA VIC 3155

The removal of one (1) Eucalyptus yarraensis

4/10/2013 Approved

Chandler 2013/6763 156 Dorset Road BORONIA VIC 3155

The removal of one Acmena smithii tree

30/10/2013 Approved

Collier 2013/6605 1/5, 2/5 and 3/5 Burwood Highway WANTIRNA VIC 3152

Business Identification Signage

15/10/2013 Approved

Collier 2013/6523 280 Wantirna Road WANTIRNA VIC 3152


15/10/2013 Approved

Collier 2013/6292 6 Dudley Avenue WANTIRNA VIC 3152

Development of the land for a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Collier 2013/6295 619-623 Boronia Road WANTIRNA VIC 3152

Business Identification Signage

28/10/2013 Refused

Collier 2013/6585 32 St Davids Drive WANTIRNA VIC 3152

Buildings and Works (Dwelling addition)

28/10/2013 Approved

Collier 2011/6798 16 Mint Street WANTIRNA VIC 3152

The subdivision of land into two lots (approved development site)

10/10/2013 Approved

Collier 2013/6568 4 Lotus Court WANTIRNA VIC 3152


31/10/2013 Approved

Collier 2013/6320 9 Gresford Road WANTIRNA VIC 3152

Development of the land for two (2) double storey dwellings

1/10/2013 Approved

Dinsdale 2013/6506 55 Pentlowe Road WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

Buildings and Works (Construction of a front fence)

3/10/2013 Approved

Dinsdale 2013/6256 22 Cullis Parade BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Development of the land for two (2) single storey and one (1) double storey dwellings (total three (3) dwellings)


Dinsdale 2013/6505 7 Ash Grove BAYSWATER VIC 3153


1/10/2013 Approved

Dinsdale 2013/6186 48 Rathmullen Road BORONIA VIC 3155

Four (4) Lot Subdivision (approved development site)

18/10/2013 Approved

Dinsdale 2013/6348 464 Boronia Road WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

Three (3) Lot Subdivision (approved development site)

9/10/2013 Approved

Dinsdale 2013/6404 7 Piccadilly Avenue WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

2 Lot Subdivision (Approved Unit Site)

17/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6727 9 Butlers Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The removal of one Eucalyptus cephalocarpa and the pruning of five trees.

15/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6612 KFC 1015 Burwood Highway FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Alterations to existing restaurant and signage

3/10/2013 Approved



Dobson 2013/6664 24 Ferndale Road UPPER FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Alterations/addition to existing dwelling

14/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6714 10 Kenwyn Court FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The removal of one Eucalyptus botryoides

14/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6473 28 Olivebank Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Buildings and works (construction of a dwelling) and removal of vegetation

9/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6738 52 Old Belgrave Road UPPER FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The removal of two (2) Melaleuca stypheloides (Prickly Paperbark), one (1) Alnus acuminata (Evergreen Alder), one (1) Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak), one (1) Eucalyptus ovata (Swamp Gum) and one (1) Eucalypt stag and the pruning of two (2) Eucalyptus speci

23/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6694 24 Ferndale Road UPPER FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Remove 1 Eucalyptus cornuta 4/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6448 5B Lords Court LYSTERFIELD VIC 3156

The construction of a single dwelling

15/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6750 39 Blackwood Park Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Removal of two Eucalyptus trees and the pruning of two trees

24/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6366 8 Perra Street FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Buildings and Works (Dwelling Addition)

3/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6434 1 Hillcrest Avenue FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Buildings and works (construction of a single dwelling) and the removal of vegetation

15/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6424 11 Myrtle Crescent FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Alterations & Additions to the existing dwelling

15/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6740 20 Selman Avenue FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The removal of two Eucalyptus ovata and the section of the Eucalyptus cladocalyx growing over the neighbour's property and the pruning of five other trees (2 x Quercus robur, Eucalyptus obliqua, Eucalyptus cladocalyx, Syzygium paniculatum)

21/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6591 15 Birdwood Avenue FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Addition to existing dwelling 31/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6751 17 Heath Avenue FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The removal of five Eucalyptus trees and the pruning of one Eucalyptus tree.

22/10/2013 Approved

Dobson 2013/6746 5 Shannon Avenue FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The removal of five (5) Cupressus macrocarpa trees

16/10/2013 Approved



Dobson 2013/6644 20 Mont Albert Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling

9/10/2013 Approved

Friberg 2013/6432 2/47 Rushdale Street KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Change of use - Indoor recreation facility (acrobatics and personal training)


Friberg 2013/6426 97 Anne Road and 88 Harley Street North KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Boundary Re-alignment 15/10/2013 Approved

Friberg 2012/6835 11 The Ridge KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

The development of the land for two (2) double storey dwellings to the side of the existing dwelling

29/10/2013 Approved

Friberg 2013/6522 33 Lydford Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156


14/10/2013 Approved

Friberg 2013/6303 66 Kathryn Road KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Development of the land for two double storey dwellings and one single storey dwelling (Total three (3) dwellings)


Friberg 2013/6571 40 Allister Close KNOXFIELD VIC 3180


24/10/2013 Approved

Friberg 2013/6525 466 Scoresby Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156


10/10/2013 Approved

Friberg 2013/6510 130 Windermere Drive FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156


03/10/2013 Approved

Scott 2013/6581 1248 High Street Road WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

The construction of a two (2) storey extension to the existing two (2) storey school building and removal of native vegetation

22/10/2013 Approved

Scott 2013/6776 36 Kent Street KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

The removal of the Eucalyptus aromaphloia

30/10/2013 Approved

Taylor 2013/6456 8 Gerang Close ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Construction of two dwellings (single storey to the front and double storey to the rear)

11/10/2013 Approved

Taylor 2013/6250 Waverley Golf Club 82 Bergins Road ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Display of Business Identification signage

29/10/2013 Approved

Taylor 2013/6580 500 Kelletts Road LYSTERFIELD VIC 3156

Buildings and Works (Front Fence)

3/10/2013 Approved

Tirhatuan 2013/6063 7 El Greco Court SCORESBY VIC 3179

The construction of a single storey dwelling to the side of the existing dwelling


Tirhatuan 2013/6530 1060 Stud Road ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Buildings and Works (Construction of Walls)

25/10/2013 Refused

Tirhatuan 2013/6759 6 Holstein Court ROWVILLE VIC 3178

The removal of one (1) Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna Gum)

23/10/2013 Approved

Tirhatuan 2013/6262 4/1335 Ferntree Gully Road SCORESBY VIC 3179 Display an electronic sign 25/10/2013

Approved



Tirhatuan 2013/6420 12 Beverley Street SCORESBY VIC 3179

Development of the land for a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Tirhatuan 2013/6632 1/895A Wellington Road ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Change of Use - Restricted Recreation Facility (Gym) and associated Buildings & Works

17/10/2013 Approved

Tirhatuan 2013/6496 125 Henderson Road ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Amendment to Development Plan Overlay 7 to enable a two lot subdivision

23/10/2013 Approved

Tirhatuan 2013/6495 88 Henderson Road ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Amendment to Development Plan Overlay 7 to enable a two lot subdivision

23/10/2013 Approved

TOTAL: 89


CHANDLER WARD

6.2 DEVELOPMENT OF A TWO (2) STOREY APARTMENT BUILDING CONTAINING FIFTEEN (15) DWELLINGS, BASEMENT CARPARK, AND REDUCTION OF CAR PARKING SPACES AT 32 BAMBURY STREET, BORONIA, Melway Ref. 65 B8 (P2012/6709).

1. SUMMARY:

Land: 32 Bambury Street, Boronia Applicant: Peter Brown Architects Pty Ltd Proposed Development: Construction of a 2 storey apartment

building containing 15 dwellings, basement carpark, and reduction of car parking spaces

Existing Land Use: Single Dwelling Area/Density: 1,021 m2 / 1:68m2 Zoning: Residential 1 Zone Overlays: Design and Development Overlay

(Schedule 7) Vegetation Protection Overlay (Schedule 4) Significant Landscape Overlay (Schedule 3)

Local Policy: Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) Dandenong Foothills Policy Boronia Activity Centre Local Policy Housing Policy

Application Received: 25 September 2012 Number of Objections: 28 PCC Meeting: 17 September 2013 Assessment:

An application for review of Council’s failure to make a decision within the prescribed timeframes of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 has been lodged with VCAT.

The proposal is not considered to be consistent with the Municipal Strategic Statement, Housing Policy, and ResCode.

The proposal is also not consistent with the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 7 and Clause 22.06 (Boronia Major Activity Centre Policy) as proposed under Amendment C95.

On balance it is considered that the proposal does not respond to State and Local Planning Policies and it is recommended that Council’s position be to refuse the issue of a Planning Permit.

16 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 6.2 32 Bambury Street, Boronia (cont’d)

2.1 Background

2. BACKGROUND

On 28 May 2013, Council resolved to seek an amendment to the Boronia Structure Plan Local Policy and the Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 7) in the Knox Planning Scheme. The Council resolution is as follows:

“That Council:

1. Rescind the resolution of the Strategic Planning Committee dated 8 February 2011 that Council:

1.1 Seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit Amendment C95;

1.2 Subject to receiving authorisation from the Minister for Planning, place Amendment C95 on public exhibition for a period of at least one month;

1.3 Authorise the Director City Development to make minor changes to Amendment C95, where changes do not affect the purpose or intent of the Amendment; and

1.4 Notify by mail the owners and occupiers of the affected properties and relevant government authorities and Ministers. Notification will include public notices in the Government Gazette, Knox Leader and Knox Weekly newspapers.

2. Seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning for the preparation of Amendment C95 as revised and shown in Appendix A, Version 2, 28 May 2013 (as tabled) under Section 20(4) of the Planning & Environment Act 1987; requesting exemption from giving public notice of this Amendment;

3. Note the proposed Amendment documentation that will be submitted to the Minister (Appendix A Version 2, 28 May 2013 as tabled) for approval;

4. In the event that authorisation of Amendment C95 is refused (under Section 20(4) of the Act), seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning for the preparation and public exhibition of Amendment


5. Authorise the Director – City Development to make changes to Amendment C95 where changes do not affect the purpose or intent of the Amendment.

Amendment C95 has been submitted to the Minster and is currently under consideration. The amendment relates to the Established Residential Environs, Dispersed Infill Residential, and Increased Residential Density areas of the Boronia Structure Plan. Specifically in relation to this application, the Established Residential Environs areas have been amended to discourage apartment style construction, require development to contribute to the characteristics of the foothills, provide a positive contribution and respect the existing character of the area, and provide a transition in built form from the Activity Centre to the foothills.

Amendment C95 is a seriously entertained document and the following report reflects this direction of assessment.

2.2 Subject Site and Surrounds

The location of the subject site is shown in Appendix A.

· The site is rectangular in shape, located on the southern side of Bambury Street, Boronia and has a total area of 1,021m2. The site is located within the boundaries of the Boronia Activity Centre.

· The site contains a single dwelling, setback 10.6 metres from Bambury Street, with access from the north east corner of the site. The site is sparsely vegetated and does not contain any significant vegetation.

· The adjoining properties to the east and west are zoned for residential use and have been developed accordingly. Land to the north of Bambury Street is zoned Residential 3; and land on the south side of Bambury Street is zoned Residential 1. Development is a mix of single dwellings on a lot and medium density units. Land to the south of the site is zoned for public use and has been developed as the Boronia Primary School.


2.3 The Proposal

(Refer to attached plans at Appendix B)

It is proposed to construct a 2 storey apartment building containing 15 dwellings, a basement car park and a reduction of car parking by 1 visitor space. Details as follows:

· The proposed building has a maximum height of 7.2 metres and is setback 7.5 metres from the front boundary. Side and rear setbacks vary between 1.5 metres and 3 metres in some places. The building is of a modern design and features modern colours and materials.

· Six one bedroom apartments and nine two bedroom apartments. Private open space is provided by way of private balconies to all units.

· Basement car parking is provided. Each unit is provided with a single car parking space. A total of 17 parking spaces are provided, 15 resident spaces and 2 visitor spaces, a shortfall of 1 visitor space. Eight spaces are in a stacker type arrangement. Personal storage, bicycle parking and waste are also located in the basement.

No significant vegetation is proposed to be removed.

3.1 Advertising

3. CONSULTATION

The application was advertised by way of a sign on the site and notices were sent to adjoining property owners and occupiers. A total of 28 objections were received and are summarised below.

Inconsistent with neighbourhood character and density; overdevelopment

· The application has been assessed against the Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 7) and Boronia Major Activity Centre Policy below at sections 4.1.2 and 4.2.2.The proposal is not considered to be consistent with the preferred character of the area as identified in Amendment C95.


Traffic impacts, congestion and safety

· Council’s Traffic Department have raised concerns in relation to the numbers of car parking spaces provided. In accordance with Clause 52.06, 15 resident spaces have been provided although only 2 visitor spaces are provided meaning there us a shortfall of 1 visitor space.

· The proposal is not expected to create unreasonable safety concerns. The development is secure, provides surveillance of the street, and vehicles will be able to exit in a forward direction from the car parking area.

Amenity impacts (overlooking, overshadowing, loss of privacy)

· There is potential for overlooking from windows and balconies to the surrounding residential properties. A condition on any permit issued would require details of all screening measures to ensure compliance with Clause 55.04-6 (overlooking objective) of the Knox Planning Scheme (screening to a minimum height of 1.7 metres from finished floor level in accordance with ResCode).

· Overshadowing to adjoining properties complies with ResCode Standard B21.

Inadequate landscaping

· No significant vegetation is proposed to be removed. The site does provide opportunities to plant vegetation on the site along the side and rear boundaries. It is noted however that there is not sufficient space for substantial canopy trees to be planted to compliment the foothills surrounds. Appropriate landscaping within the foothills area is discussed throughout this report.

Existing drainage is inadequate

· Council’s Drainage Engineers have not raised any concerns with the existing drainage infrastructure or required any upgrades to existing drainage infrastructure. A drainage engineering plan would be a requirement of any permit to issue, and would need to demonstrate that stormwater flows can be detained to the peak pre-development levels.


Noise and social issues

· The proposed development would not be expected to emit noise above that of typical residential development. Conditions on any permit issued would restrict excessive noise from car stackers. The type of people who may purchase a dwelling is not a matter for planning consideration.

Waste collection

· A waste management plan would be a requirement of any permit issued. This will ensure that waste can be adequately collected from the site.

Site coverage

· Site coverage is discussed in Section 4.3 of this report.

3.2 Planning Consultative Committee Meeting

A Planning Consultative Committee (PCC) Meeting was held at the Civic Centre on 17 September 2013. Fifteen (15) people signed the attendance sheet at the meeting.

No outcomes were agreed upon and the objectors noted that their concerns could not be addressed by modifications to the proposal.

3.3 Referrals

The application has been referred to internal departments for comment. Some issues were identified; the following is a summary of relevant advice:

· The access way and ramp shall be constructed in accordance with the guidelines of Clause 52.06.

Traffic Engineer

· All cars to be able to exit the site in the forward direction.

· There is a shortfall of 1 visitor parking space. Three visitor spaces need to be provided on site.

· Stackers should allow for B99 sized vehicles and full details and specifications of stackers to be provided.

· Standard conditions to be included on any permit issued including the use and maintenance of car stackers.


· An overland flow path runs along Bambury Street, however it is noted that the development proposes a basement car park and is actually located outside the overland flow path. The presence of the nearby overland flow path should be considered in any future drainage design.

Drainage Engineer

· In accordance with documentation prepared for Amendment C95 in relation to the Design and Development Overlay 7 and Clause 22.06 (Boronia Major Activity Centre Policy), it is noted that apartment buildings are not encouraged within the Established Residential Environs.

City Futures

· A satisfactory Waste Management Plan would be required.

Waste

· None of the vegetation located on the site is significant.

Arborist

· No objections. Street tree to be removed at owners cost.

Assets and Parks

4.1 Zoning and Overlays

4. DISCUSSION

This section considers the proposed development in light of the provisions of the Knox Planning Scheme including State and Local Planning Policies, any other relevant policies and objectives.

4.1.1 Zone

The site is located within the Residential 1 Zone. Within the Residential 1 Zone (R1Z) a planning permit is required to construct more than one dwelling on a lot.


4.1.2 Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 7)

The site is affected by the Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 7) which implements the Boronia Structure Plan. Under the provisions of the Overlay, a permit is required for buildings and works.

To achieve the design objectives in the Schedule, any proposed development must meet the requirements contained within the Schedule. These include preferred and mandatory building heights, design standards, materials and colours, landscape design and signage.

· The site is located in the Established Residential Environs area as referred to in Figure 1 of Clause 22.06. Changes to the DDO7 under Amendment C95 state that apartments are not encouraged in these areas. It is policy that development must provide a positive contribution to and respect the existing character of the foothills. Development should provide a transition from the Activity Centre to the foothills.

· The proposed development is an apartment building and therefore discouraged in this location. The apartment style of the development is not considered to be able to contribute to the existing character of the foothills as there are limited opportunities to provide appropriate landscaping. It is therefore considered that the development cannot provide an appropriate transition from the Activity Centre to the foothills in terms of vegetation or building form.

· The site is located within a 7.5 metre (two storey) building height area. The proposal for a two (2) storey building with a maximum height of 7.2 metres complies with the mandatory building height.

· Materials and colours have been nominated that are generally considered to be acceptable within the foothills surrounds.

· Low level planting can be achieved along the side and rear boundaries. However this is not considered to be sufficient to contribute to the character of the foothills surrounds or screen the bulk of an apartment building.


4.1.3 Vegetation Protection Overlay (Schedule 4)

The aim of the VPO4 is to protect and retain the continuity of tree cover, with particular emphasis on indigenous species and large old native trees.

No native vegetation is proposed to be removed or impacted.

4.1.4 Significant Landscape Overlay (Schedule 2)

The site is located within the Significant Landscape Overlay 3 (SLO3) relating to the Dandenong Foothills: Lower Slope and Valley Area. Within the SLO3, a planning permit is required to construct a building and to carry out works, and to remove, destroy or lop a tree if the circumference of the trunk is more than 0.5 metre or the height of the tree is 5 metres or more. This does not apply to weed species listed in the schedule.

· The development at a height of 7.2 metres will not impact upon views to the Dandenong ranges and will not penetrate above the tree canopy. However, the setbacks available to allow meaningful landscaping are not considered to be sympathetic to nearby natural landscapes.

4.2 Policy Consideration

4.2.1 State Planning Policy Framework

State policy requires Council to integrate the range of policies relevant to the issues to be determined, and balance conflicting objectives in favour of net community benefit and sustainable development.

Key Policies:

Clause 15 Built Environment and Heritage

– Encourages high quality architecture and urban design outcomes that reflect the particular characteristics, aspirations and cultural identity of the community; enhances liveability, diversity, amenity and safety of the public realm; and promotes attractiveness of towns and cities within broader strategic contexts.


· The development has been assessed against the built form guidelines of the DDO7 (See section 4.1.2).

· The development provides limited landscaping opportunities for its foothills setting.

Clause 15.02 Sustainable Development

· A satisfactory sustainable design assessment would be a condition on any permit issued. This would ensure that appropriate initiatives are employed in the design to minimise energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

– Ensure land use and development is consistent with the efficient use of energy and the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Clause 16 Housing

· Neighbourhood character - This is discussed in a later section of the report (Section 4.2.2).

– Encourage the development of well-designed medium-density housing that respects the neighbourhood character; improves housing choice; makes better use of existing infrastructure; and, improves energy efficiency of housing. Locate new housing in or close to activity centres and employment corridors and at other strategic development sites that offer good access to services and transport.

· Housing choice – The proposed development provides a different form of housing to that provided in the area and provides the option of dwellings on smaller lots which will contribute to housing choice, particularly 1 bedroom apartments. However it is noted that apartment style buildings are not encouraged within the Established Residential Environs.

· Existing infrastructure – The site is located within a fully serviced area.

· Energy efficiency – Sustainable design initiatives can be undertaken to ensure compliance, however the apartment style of the building is not encouraged in Bambury Street.

· Location – The site is located within the Boronia Major Activity Centre in an area identified as Established Residential Environs. Apartment buildings are not encouraged within the Established Residential Environs.


Clause 18 Transport

· The site is located 1,050 metres walking distance from Boronia Train Station and bus interchange which is serviced by Bus Routes No. 737, 745B, 753, 755, 691 and 690.

– Ensure that access is provided to all available modes of transport.

· Boronia Station is part of the Belgrave train line which travels directly through the eastern suburbs to Melbourne’s CBD and operates Monday to Saturday, 4.30am to 1.30am at various intervals and Sunday 6.00am to 12.00 am at various intervals.

· Route No. 690 from Croydon Station to Boronia Station via Kilsyth operates at various intervals from 5.49am to 9.26pm Monday to Friday, Saturday from 7.41am to 9.30pm, and Sunday from 9.00am to 9.26pm. This service can also be accessed from Albert Avenue, approximately 160 metres east of the site.

· Route No. 691 operates between Waverley Garden Shopping Centre and Boronia Railway Station between 5.22am and 9:59pm Monday to Friday, between 7.29am and 8pm Saturdays and Sundays at various intervals.

· Route No. 737 from Croydon Station to Glen Waverley via Knox City and Monash University operates at various intervals from 6.03am to 9.52pm Monday to Friday, Saturday from 6.10am to 9.52pm, and from 8.12am to 9.49pm on Sunday.

· Route No. 745B from Bayswater to Boronia operates two services between 2.45pm and 6.40pm Monday to Friday.

· Route No. 753 provides direct access between the Glen Waverley and Bayswater activity centres, and operates between 5:51am and 9:10pm Monday to Friday, between 7:37am and 9:25pm on Saturdays, and between 9:14am and 9pm on Sundays at various intervals.

· Route No. 755 from Bayswater to Knox City via The Basin, Boronia, Ferntree Gully operates between 6:07am and 9:19pm Monday to Friday, between 8:16am and 9:21pm Saturdays, and between 9:19am and 9:24pm on Sundays at various intervals.


4.2.2 Local Planning Policy Framework

Clause 21.05-2 Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)

· The site is located in a Major Activity Centre, however not in an area identified for apartment building development. Development should respect and contribute to the existing character of the area and provide a transition of building form from the Activity Centre to the foothills setting. It is considered that the development fails to achieve this transition.

The MSS seeks to reduce the prevalence of infill housing development in dispersed locations as a major form of housing development by promoting activity centres and key redevelopment strategic sites as the preferred location.

The MSS further seeks to manage the need for more housing and maintaining the valued qualities of identified areas of environmental and character significance. The MSS supports development that respects the existing or preferred residential neighbourhood character.

· Apartment style development is not encouraged in this area and the development provides limited opportunity to provide canopy tree planting to transition the site into the foothills setting. The design is not considered to be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area, nor can it be said to make a positive contribution to this character.

Clause 22.01 Dandenong Foothills

It is policy that:

– Dandenong Foothills, Foothills Backdrop & Ridgeline Area – The objectives of the Dandenong Foothills policy are to ensure that the design and siting of buildings, works and landscaping protects and enhances the visual dominance of vegetation, including canopy trees and native understorey plants.

The design and siting of buildings, works and landscaping protects and enhances the visual dominance of vegetation, including canopy trees and native understorey plants, to ensure that:

· There is a continuous vegetation canopy across residential lots and roads.


· Development blends with vegetation on the hillsides to maintain and enhance the appearance of the area as an extension of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

· There is effective screening of development and use of suitable colours and materials to maintain distant views and the appearance of a heavily vegetated natural hillside.

· Development does not rise above the tree canopy height to maintain the significant landscape character of the area and near and distant view lines.

· The significant landscape character of the area is protected and enhanced by retaining existing vegetation and planting indigenous canopy and understorey vegetation.

· Buildings and works located on sites at high points and along ridges are designed, finished and sited so that they are not highly visible from the valley area below.

· The development will allow for canopy tree planting within the front and rear setbacks; however, does not allow for a continuous vegetation canopy across the allotment. This is considered an appropriate balance given the location of the site within the Boronia Activity Centre. In addition, an increased front setback will ensure that substantial canopy tree planting can be accommodated in the front setback to reinforce the significance of the landscaping quality of the Dandenong foothills.

· In accordance with both Clause 22.01 and the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 7, the maximum height of the proposed development will remain below the 7.5 metre height limit, which will result in the development not rising above the tree canopy height and intruding on near and distant view lines of the Foothills area.

Indigenous trees and understorey vegetation be retained and protected.

· The site does not contain any vegetation

A minimum of 80% of all new vegetation (both canopy trees and understorey) be indigenous.

· Should a permit be issued, conditions would require that 80% of new vegetation be indigenous species.


Building height does not exceed 7.5 metres.

· As discussed throughout this report, the proposed maximum building height (7.2 metres) complies with the 7.5 metre (two storey) limit of both Clause 22.01 and the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 7 and is considered appropriate.

Clause 22.06 Boronia Major Activity Centre Local Policy

The site is located within an “Established Residential Environs” area within the Land Use Framework Plan. It is policy that apartment buildings are discouraged and development must provide a positive contribution to and respects the existing character of the foothills. Development should provide a transition from the Activity Centre to the foothills.

: This policy seeks to address a lack in availability of a variety of housing types within the Boronia Major Activity Centre, and identifies opportunities for higher density development within the centre to benefit from close proximity to social services and infrastructure.

· The proposed development is an apartment building and therefore discouraged in this location. The apartment building style of the development is not considered to contribute to the existing character of the foothills as there are limited opportunities to provide appropriate landscaping and no ability to plant canopy trees. It is therefore considered that the development does not provide an appropriate transition from the Activity Centre to the foothills in terms of vegetation or building form.

Clause 22.10 Housing – Apartment style residential development

In response to this forecast, the Housing Policy directs the provision of a diversity of housing types and forms; housing that meets the needs of all groups within the community; accessible housing that is well designed and responsive to the local character and environment; and housing that recognises that the environment and landscape significance of the Dandenong Foothills outweighs the need for urban consolidation in the Foothills.

: The Housing Policy at Clause 22.10-1 recognises that the population of Knox will grow by 12,000 persons and 15,000 households to 2030.


Before deciding on an application, the responsible authority will consider, as appropriate, whether:

Where an approved structure plan or urban design framework exists for an activity centre listed above, then the location and design of high and medium density housing is guided by the plan or framework.

· The site is located within the Boronia Activity Centre. As such, any development will be guided by the Boronia Structure Plan and the Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 7). See Section 4.1.2 for this discussion.

The proposed development will contribute to a diversity of housing in Knox.

· The proposed development proposes one and two bedroom dwellings which would contribute to a diversity of housing within Knox. It is noted however that apartment style buildings are not encouraged within the Established Residential Environs.

There is access to frequent public transport services between 6.00am and 11.00pm daily, seven days a week.

· The site does not have access to public transport that operates between 6.00am and 11.00pm daily, seven days a week.

The proposed development is consistent with a relevant endorsed structure plan or urban design framework.

· See assessment against DDO7 (Section 4.1.2) and Clause 22.06 (Boronia Major Activity Centre Policy) above.

The development site graduates in height from the site boundaries to respect prevailing building height patterns.

· The building has a relatively low overall height of 7.2 metres, the setbacks from the side and rear boundaries are generally sufficient to accommodate this height without undue amenity impacts.

The development and building design response addresses any potential impact on adjoining development where there is a residential interface with respect to amenity, overlooking, overshadowing, height and bulk, views and vistas;


· The bulk of the apartment style building is not considered be in character with the foothills setting or provide an appropriate transition from the Activity Centre to the foothills surrounds.

· Overlooking issues have not been satisfactorily addressed although could be conditioned to comply.

· The proposed development would not create unreasonable overshadowing to adjoining properties due to the building height and setbacks.

· The proposed development would not be expected to impact views or vistas to the Dandenong Ranges.

For larger key strategic redevelopment sites, a variety of architectural styles and forms are provided.

· The site has not been identified as a key strategic redevelopment site.

4.3 Clause 55 – Two or More Dwellings on a Lot and Residential Buildings (ResCode)

Neighbourhood Character –Does not comply, refer to Section 4.2.2 above.

Neighbourhood Character and Infrastructure

Residential Policy – Does not comply, refer to Section 4.2.2 above.

Dwelling Diversity – Complies.

Infrastructure – Complies.

Integration with the Street – Complies.

Street Setback – Does not comply. The required setback under the Standard is 9 metres.

Site Layout and Building Massing

Building Height – Complies.

Site Cover/Permeability – Does not comply. Site coverage is at 64%, above the 60% maximum specified by the Standard.

Energy Efficiency – Can comply subject to a satisfactory sustainable design assessment been provided.


Open Space – Complies.

Safety – Complies.

Landscaping – Does not comply. Landscaping opportunities to side and rear setbacks are not considered to be acceptable within the foothills setting of the site where development is to provide an appropriate transition from the Activity Centre to the south to the surrounding foothills setting. There is no ability to plant canopy vegetation within these setbacks.

Access – Complies.

Parking Location – Complies.

Side and rear setbacks – Complies.

Amenity Impacts

Walls on boundaries – Complies.

Daylight to existing windows/north facing windows – Complies.

North-facing Windows – Due to the orientation of the site, solar access to north facing windows is generally poor. This is typical of apartment style buildings arranged in the north-south orientation and can usually be offset with the submission of a satisfactory sustainable design assessment.

Overshadowing open space – Complies.

Overlooking – Does not comply. There is overlooking potential from balconies and habitable rooms into adjoining open space areas and windows. Conditions would need to be included on any permit issued to ensure compliance.

Internal views – Complies.

Noise Impacts – Complies. Conditions would be required to ensure mechanical stackers are not excessively loud through a lack of maintenance.

Accessibility – Complies.

On-Site Amenity and Facilities

Daylight to new windows – Complies.

Private Open Space – Complies.


Solar access – Complies.

Storage – Complies.

Design Detail – Does not comply. The bulk of the proposed apartment building is not considered to be acceptable within the foothills setting. The design does not propose appropriate landscaping or built form to be considered to complement the existing character of the area or provide a transition from the Activity Centre to the foothills surrounds.

Detailed Design

Common Property – Complies.

Site Services – Complies.

Front fence – Complies, no front fence proposed.

4.4 Particular Provisions

Prior to a new use commencing or a new building being occupied the car parking spaces required under Clause 52.06-5 must be provided on the land or as approved under Clause 52.06-3 to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.

Clause 52.06 – Car Parking

Clause 52.06-5 outlines the requisite amount of parking to be provided to each dwelling and any applicable visitor parking at a ratio of two car spaces to each three or more bedroom dwelling (with studies or studios that are separate rooms counted as a bedrooms) and one visitor space to every five dwellings for developments of five or more dwellings.

· The proposal satisfies the resident car parking provision for each dwelling, with 1 car space provided for each one or two bedroom dwelling but does not provide the required 3 visitor parking spaces. Given the location of the site at 1,050 metres walking distance from the station, and in close proximity to the school, the dispensation of a visitor car parking space is not considered to be acceptable. It is noted that the visitor spaces are located behind the security roller shutter and are therefore not considered to be readily or easily accessible to visitors.

Clause 52.06-8 details the design standards for car parking. The provision of car parking should meet the design requirements of this Clause. An assessment of the design standards, including any areas of non-compliance are considered below:


Design Standard 1: Accessways – Does not comply. The accessway provides access to more than 10 car parking spaces and therefore needs to provide a 5 metre wide passing area for the first 7 metres. The area provided does not meet the required dimensions.

Design Standard 2: Car Parking Spaces – Full details of car parking stackers have not been provided. The remaining spaces are considered to comply.

Design Standard 3: Gradients – Does not comply. The gradients to the basement car park do not comply with the transitional requirements of this design standard.

Design Standard 4: Mechanical Parking – Full details of the car parking stacker arrangement have not been provided. The proposal could comply subject to appropriate conditions regarding stacker specific details and maintenance to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Design Standard 5: Urban Design – Complies.

Design Standard 6: Safety – Complies.

Design Standard 7: Landscaping – Complies.

4.5 General Decision Guidelines

Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme and Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 set out decision guidelines/matters which the responsible authority must consider when deciding any planning application.

· The decision guidelines of Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme and Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987) have been appropriately considered.

Clause 10.04 of the Knox Planning Scheme requires Council to balance relative policy objectives when making decisions to ensure resulting development is sustainable and achieves a net community gain. In this context, the development is not appropriate given the following:

5. CONCLUSION


· The proposed development is not consistent with Clause 15 (Built Environment and Heritage), Clause 21.07 (Municipal Strategic Statement), Clause 22.01 (Dandenong Foothills Policy), Clause 22.06 (Boronia Activity Centre Local Policy) and Clause 22.10 (Housing) of the Knox Planning Scheme.

· The built form of the proposed development is not consistent with the policy direction and objectives of the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 7.

· The development is not consistent with standards and objectives of ResCode, specifically; Neighbourhood character, Residential policy, Landscaping, Site coverage, Front setback, Overlooking, and Design detail.

· The development is not consistent with the Design Standards of Clause 52.06 (Car parking).

There are no confidentiality issues associated with this report.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

If Council were in a position to decide on the application that a Notice of Refusal be issued for the development of a two (2) storey apartment building containing fifteen (15) dwellings, basement car park, and reduction of car parking spaces at 32 Bambury Street, Boronia, on the following grounds:

RECOMMENDATION

1. The proposed development is not consistent with State Planning Policy, specifically Clause 15 (Built Environment and Heritage).

2. The proposal is inconsistent with Clause 21.05 (Municipal Strategic Statement).

3. The proposal is inconsistent with Local Planning Policy, specifically Clause 22.01 (Dandenong Foothills Policy), Clause 22.06 (Boronia Activity Centre Local Policy) and Clause 22.10 (Housing) when consideration is given to changes adopted under Amendment C95 to the Knox Planning Scheme.


Recommendation (cont’d)

4. The built form of the proposed development is not consistent with the policy direction and objectives of the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 7 when consideration is given to changes adopted under Amendment C95 to the Knox Planning Scheme.

5. The development is not consistent with standards and objectives of ResCode, specifically; Neighbourhood character, Residential policy, Landscaping, Site coverage, Front setback, Overlooking, and Design detail.

6. The development is not consistent with the design standards of Clause 52.06 (Carparking) including; Accessways, Gradient, Mechanical parking, and Visitor parking.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. MORTIMORE SECONDED: CR. ORPEN That the recommendation be adopted. CARRIED

SUBSEQUENT MOTION

MOVED: CR. ORPEN SECONDED: CR. MORTIMORE That a report be presented on Knox City Council's position and the consequences of car stackers in developments. CARRIED


FRIBERG WARD

6.3 APPLICATION TO DEVELOP THE LAND WITH THREE (3) DWELLINGS COMPRISING TWO (2) DOUBLE STOREY DWELLINGS AND ONE (1) SINGLE STOREY DWELLING AT 43 DAVID STREET, KNOXFIELD, Melway Ref. 73 C5 (Application No. P2012/6821)

1. SUMMARY:

Land: 43 David Street, Knoxfield Applicant: ABP Consultants Pty Ltd Proposed Development:

The development of three (3) dwellings on the land comprising two (2) double storey dwellings and one (1) single storey dwelling

Existing Land Use: Single dwelling Area/Density: 1080m2 / 1:360 m2 Zoning: Residential 3 Zone Overlays: Vegetation Protection Overlay (Schedule 3) Local Policy: Municipal Strategic Statement

Neighbourhood Character Policy Housing Policy

Application Received: Amendment Received:

12 November 2012 9 September 2013

Number of Objections: Fifteen (15) PCC Meeting: 16th April 2013 Assessment:

The applicant has amended the proposed development from four dwellings to three dwellings to address concerns raised by attendees to the Planning Consultative Committee meeting held on 16th of April 2013. Subject to conditions the development can provide an appropriate balance between the need for additional housing within an established residential area and the amenity of occupants and adjoining residents.

The proposal generally complies with the Housing Policy, Neighbourhood Character Policy and ResCode.

The proposal complies with the Residential 3 Zone and the Vegetation Protection Overlay (Schedule 3).

On balance it is considered that the proposal responds well to State and Local Planning Policies, subject to modifications. It is recommended that Council issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, subject to conditions.

47 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 6.3 43 David Street, Knoxfield (cont’d)

2.1 Subject Site and Surrounds

2. BACKGROUND

The location of the subject site is shown in Appendix A.

The subject site is located on the western side of David Street and is regular in shape with a frontage width of 18.5m, site depth of 56.2m and a total site area of 1080m². It is noted that the site currently accommodates a single dwelling with an outbuilding located to the rear which straddles both 43 and 45 David Street.

The existing dwelling on site is utilised for residential purposes. Vehicular access to the site is gained via an existing crossover to the north of the site frontage.

The site is heavily vegetated with established canopy trees within the frontage and along the southern and western property boundaries. Trees located in the subject site include a mixture of native and exotic species, none of which have been identified as protected trees under the Vegetation Protection Overlay (Schedule 3).

A 2.5m wide easement is located along the western (rear) boundary of the subject site.

Adjoining land is utilised for residential purposes with allotments containing established vegetation with pockets of landscaping within the frontage. There is evidence of medium density residential development within the surrounding area.

2.2 The Proposal

(Refer to attached plans at Appendix B)

The current application proposes the construction of three dwellings, comprising two (2) double storey dwellings and one (1) single storey dwelling. The existing dwelling is to be demolished.

The proposed dwellings are detailed as follows;

· Dwelling 1 is to be double storey and will be setback 9 metres from the frontage. The dwelling will contain 4 bedrooms with kitchen, family and meals areas with associated amenities. A secluded private open space area of 83.9m² is located on the western side of the dwelling (rear) with northern solar access. The dwelling is provided with a double garage accessed via the existing crossover to the north of the site frontage to David Street.


· Dwelling 2 is also to be double storey and is located beside Dwelling 1. The dwelling will contain 3 bedrooms with kitchen, family and meals areas with associated amenities. A secluded private open space area of 41m² is located on the western side of the dwelling (rear) with northern solar access. The dwelling is provided with a double garage via a proposed crossover to the south of the site frontage to David Street.

· Dwelling 3 is to be single storey. The dwelling will contain 3 bedrooms with kitchen, family and meals areas with associated amenities. A secluded private open space area of 95.2m² is located on the northern side of the dwelling. The dwelling is provided with a double garage accessed via the proposed crossover (which also services Dwelling 2) to the south of the site frontage to David Street.

· Dwellings 1, 2 and 3 have maximum heights from natural ground level of 8.1m, 8.7m and 5.5m respectively and are proposed to be constructed using face brickwork and selected rendered finishes with a tiled roof.

· Councils’ Arborist has confirmed that none of the vegetation on site is protected under the provisions of the Vegetation Protection Overlay 3 however, a canopy tree (Eucalyptus robusta) as well as one other small tree are proposed to be retained within the southern portion of the front setback and one small tree is to be retained to the rear of the site located within the proposed secluded private open space to Dwelling 3.

It is noted that the original application submission detailed four (4) double storey dwellings however the design was modified following concerns raised at a Planning Consultative Committee meeting. This is discussed in further detail in Section 3.2 of this report.

3.1 Advertising

3. CONSULTATION

The application was advertised via mail with a sign displayed on the subject site for a period of 14 days. At the writing of this report, fifteen (15) objections have been received.

Application P2012/6821 was advertised twice due to the submission of amended plans dated 9 September 2013. The original application attracted the fifteen (15) objections as detailed below, with no further objections or withdrawal of existing objections submitted following advertising of the amended plans.


Objections received are summarised as follows;

Bulk/Building design/Overdevelopment/excessive density

· The proposed development is staggered with a single storey dwelling (Dwelling 3) located to the rear of the site and the upper levels of Dwellings 1 and 2 located towards the front of the site. This arrangement seeks to minimise impacts of building bulk adjacent to land on adjoining lots used for private open space and to provide for a transition of the development from the subject site to adjoining residential development.

· The built form of the proposal generally responds appropriately to the surrounding area.

Inconsistent with neighbourhood character

· The proposed double storey built form of Dwellings 1 and 2 is recessed from the ground floor level and provides an acceptable level of articulation. It is noted that double storey development is not currently located directly adjacent to the subject site however there is evidence of double storey development dispersed in the surrounding residential area.

Space between crossovers would only allow 2 small cars to be parked on the street

· The application has been referred to Councils’ Traffic and Assets departments with no objection to the proposed parking arrangement or construction of a second crossover within the frontage. It is noted that an area of approximately 8m in length located between the proposed and existing crossovers will allow for one car to park on the street adjacent to the subject site.

· Due to the construction of an additional crossover it is likely that one on street car parking space will be lost.

Increased traffic/parking

· Pursuant to Clause 52.06 of the Knox Planning Scheme, the proposed development is required to provide 2 designated car parking spaces for each dwelling dependant on the number of bedrooms included per dwelling. The parking requirement is calculated at a rate of 2 car spaces (minimum 1 covered) for a 3+ bedroom dwelling. Each dwelling has been provided with 2 parking spaces with a minimum of 1 covered space to each dwelling and therefore satisfies the relevant requirement.


Strain on infrastructure

· The proposal has been assessed by Council’s Traffic and Drainage Departments. No concern has been raised regarding the ability for the surrounding road network and drainage infrastructure being able to accommodate the development. A drainage plan will be required as a condition on any permit issued, which will restrict stormwater flows to pre-development flows.

Loss of privacy/amenity

· The proposal has been assessed against the relevant provisions of Clause 55 (ResCode) and any overlooking will be addressed via conditions of any permit issued.

Noise

· The proposal is residential in nature. The development itself will not result in any noise inappropriate to a residential area. A condition on any permit issued will ensure appropriate amenity occurs during the construction of the development.

Overshadowing

· The proposed development satisfies the relevant provisions of Clause 55 of the Knox Planning Scheme with regard to overshadowing and loss of sunlight. The development allows for adequate solar access to habitable room windows and private open space within the development as well as to adjoining properties.

Excessive hard surface/Minimal landscaping opportunities

· Each dwelling has been provided with an adequate area of open space free of obstructions in order to accommodate canopy tree planting. A condition of any approval granted and will require a landscaping plan including the provision of canopy trees and shrubs to soften the impact of the proposed built form.

Insufficient private open space for dwellings

· The amended proposal provides adequate open space areas for each dwelling. Dwelling 1 has been provided with 120m², Dwelling 2 with 78m² and Dwelling 3 with 95m² which exceeds the minimum requirement of 60m² and is consistent with the anticipated needs of the inhabitants when considering the size of each dwelling and the number of bedrooms proposed.


3.2 Planning Consultative Committee Meeting

A Planning Consultation Committee (PCC) Meeting was held at the Civic Centre on 16th April 2013. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Cooper with 7 objectors in attendance. No new issues or concerns were raised by any party during the consultation meeting. Potential solutions/enhancements that were discussed included:

· Three single storey units

· Reduction in the size of the proposed dwellings

· Canopy tree planting within frontage to break up building bulk Officer response:

· Following the Planning Consultative Committee meeting, the applicant took into consideration the issues raised by the objections and amended the plans from 4 to 3 dwellings with single storey built form to the rear of the site and a double garage provided for each dwelling.

3.3 Referrals

The application has been referred to internal departments for comment. No objection has been raised; the following is a summary of relevant advice:

· No objection to proposal.

City Futures

· No objection subject to standard conditions to be included on any permit issued.

Traffic Engineer

· No objection subject to standard conditions to be included on any permit issued.

Drainage Engineer


· Councils’ Arborist inspected the site and indicated concerns with the following:

Arborist

1. The site contains a Eucalyptus robusta located to the south east corner of the site frontage which is proposed to be retained. The tree is not protected under the provisions of the VPO3, however in order to ensure successful retention of the tree, the location of the meter and letter boxes must be altered as the facilities are proposed to be constructed within the structural root zone. A condition of any approval granted will require the relocation of the metre and letter boxes 2.9m (SRZ) from the base of the tree.

2. Councils’ Arborist has identified issues with the construction of the Dwelling 3 garage on the southern boundary. These issues include impacts to a Eucalyptus cephalocarpa and some fruit trees on the southern adjoining property. The location of the Dwelling 3 garage will result in detrimental impacts to the health of these trees and on this basis, the garage will be required to be altered to a single garage and relocated 2.4m from the southern boundary, outside of the 5.4m TPZ of the Eucalyptus cephalocarpa.

· No objection subject to payment of $1200 for the removal of both street trees adjacent to the subject site to allow the construction of the proposed crossover.

Parks

· No objection subject to the proposal subject to the setback of the proposed crossover 1.8m from the side entry pit to the south of the site frontage.

Assets

This section considers the proposed development in light of the provisions of the Knox Planning Scheme including State and Local Planning Policies, any other relevant policies and objectives.

4. DISCUSSION


4.1 Zoning and Overlays

4.1.1 Zone

The land is located within a Residential 3 Zone. Within the Residential 3 Zone, a planning permit is required to construct two or more dwellings on a lot.

The Schedule to the Residential 3 Zone varies ResCode Standards B28 and B32, pertaining to private open space and front fences. To comply with the varied ResCode Standard B28, private open space must consist of an area of 60 m² with one part of the private open space to consist of secluded private open space at the side or rear of the dwelling with minimum area of 40m² and minimum dimension of 5 metres. The varied ResCode Standard B32 requires a permit for a front fence that exceeds 1.2 metres.

· All dwellings comply with provisions of the Schedule to the R3Z.

· No front fence is proposed.

4.1.2 Overlays

The subject site is affected by the Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 3. Pursuant to the provisions of the Vegetation Protection Overlay 3 (VPO3) a permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation which complies with both of the following:

- Has a height of 8 metres or more

- Has a trunk more than 300mm in diameter (measured at 1200mm above the base of the tree)

A permit is not required:

- To remove, destroy or lop the minimum extent of native vegetation necessary to continue the activity on land which has previously been cleared where seedlings or regrowth are less than 10 years old and the land is within the formation of a road or railway line

- To remove, destroy or lop the minimum extent of native vegetation necessary to maintain public utility services for the transmission of water, sewage, gas, electricity, electronic communications or the like.


The current proposal does not require the removal of any protected vegetation from the subject site.

4.2 Policy Consideration

4.2.1 State Planning Policy Framework

State policy requires Council to integrate the range of policies relevant to the issues to be determined, and balance conflicting objectives in favour of net community benefit and sustainable development.

Key Policies:

Clause 15 Built Environment and Heritage

· The proposed development provides for a residential development which accommodates the needs of small and moderate families as well as couples and singles. The amended proposal decreases the intensity of built form towards the rear of the site. The development has shown the ability for all three dwellings to comply with the relevant ResCode standards to provide adequate setbacks, open space and parking amongst other relevant requirements. The front setback of nine (9) metres will maintain the large setback seen on surrounding properties and provide landscaping opportunities. The amenity of adjoining properties can be managed via conditions of any permit granted.

– Encourages high quality architecture and urban design outcomes that reflect the particular characteristics and cultural identity of the community; enhances liveability, diversity, amenity and safety of the public realm; and promotes attractiveness of towns and cities within broader strategic contexts.

· The built form has been reduced towards the rear of the site with Dwelling 3 proposed to be single storey which complements the low scale of surrounding residential dwellings and provides an outcome consistent with Councils Neighbourhood Character Policy.

Clause 15.02 Sustainable Development

· The development achieves an acceptable level of environmental energy efficiency. Orientation of the proposed dwellings has been designed to maximise solar access.

– Ensure land use and development is consistent with the efficient use of energy and the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions.


· A condition of any approval granted will require the submission and endorsement of a Sustainable Design Assessment.

Clause 16 Housing

· Neighbourhood character - this is discussed in a later section of the report (Section 4.2.2).

– Encourage the development of well-designed medium-density housing that respects the neighbourhood character; improves housing choice; makes better use of existing infrastructure; and, improves energy efficiency of housing.

· Housing choice – As the current proposal does not incorporate the provision of 1 or 2 bedroom dwellings, the development is not considered to provide good housing choice. As a result, any approval issued will require the reduction of one of the dwellings to a two bedroom dwelling.

· Existing infrastructure – The site is in a fully serviced area. Drainage plans would be required as a condition of any permit to issue.

· Energy efficiency – this has been discussed above under Clause 15.02.

· Location – The site is not located within an Activity Centre, however the location of the development is considered appropriate as the site is within an established residential area in close proximity to urban services. It should be noted that this site is capable of containing three (3) dwellings whilst making a positive contribution to the character of the area. Refer to the assessment against Council’s Neighbourhood Character Policy at Section 4.2.2 below.

Clause 18 Transport

· The site is located within 110 and 430 metres walking distance of bus routes Nos. 758 and 753 respectively.

– Ensure that access is provided to all available modes of transport.

· Route No. 758 provides access to Knox City via local streets and Ferntree Gully Road and operates between 9:12am and 6.16pm Monday to Friday at various intervals.


· Route 753 provides access to Boronia, Glen Waverley and Bayswater Railway Stations and operates between 6:23am and 9.43pm Monday to Friday, between 7:51am and 9:52pm on Saturdays and between 8:51am and 9:22 on Sundays at various intervals.

4.2.2 Local Planning Policy Framework

Clause 21.05-2 Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)

· The site is not located in a designated activity centre or key redevelopment site.

The MSS seeks to reduce the prevalence of infill and medium density housing development in dispersed locations as a major form of housing development by promoting activity centres, key redevelopment strategic sites, and the Principal Public Transport Network as the preferred location. It also seeks to encourage diversity of housing types, styles, form and sizes to cater for the changing needs of the community, noting that the majority of housing stock in Knox is comprised of 3 and 4 bedroom dwellings. The lack of housing stock diversity is likely to become more apparent as the housing needs of the community change over time.

· The proposed development provides for a range of dwelling sizes and lot sizes, however it does not contribute to the diversity of housing in Knox within the context of the changing household types described in the MSS. To address this, a condition on any permit issued will require one dwelling to be a two bedroom dwelling.

The MSS further seeks to manage the need for more housing and maintaining the valued qualities of identified areas of environmental and character significance. The MSS supports development that respects the existing or preferred residential neighbourhood character.

· The development has been assessed against Councils’ Neighbourhood Character Policy and found to be respectful of the preferred neighbourhood character and appropriate to desired future character. See the assessment against Clause 22.07 below.

Clause 22.07 Neighbourhood Character: Garden Suburban Character Area 7 – The desired future character of this area is for Low scale dwellings set within an open landscape with occasional large native trees and in some precincts large stands of native and exotic trees.


Key design elements of the Garden Suburban Area are detailed as follows;

To retain the tall trees

· One Eucalyptus robusta is to be retained on the subject site within the south-eastern corner. The plans currently show the meter and letter boxes to be constructed adjacent to the Eucalyptus robusta and will have a detrimental impact on the health of the tree as such, the meter and letter boxes will be required to be relocated to the north of the proposed accessway as a condition of any approval granted.

· A condition on any permit issued will require a satisfactory landscape plan be submitted including the planting of canopy trees.

To maintain the continuity of garden character between dwellings.

· The spacing of the proposed dwellings will allow for adequate planting and reflects the rhythm of the spacing of existing dwellings in the area.

To minimise the dominance of buildings from the street

· The proposed setback of the front dwelling to the street frontage will be 9 metres which is considered adequate when minimising the dominance of the development from the street frontage.

To minimise loss of front garden space, and dominance of car storage facilities

· A sufficient portion of garden space is provided within the front setback of the subject site.

· The garage associated with Dwelling 1, which fronts the street is proposed to be located behind the building line and the garages of Dwellings 2 and 3 are located at the rear of the site and will not be readily visible from the street frontage.

Clause 22.10 Housing: Medium Density – The Housing Policy at Clause 22.10-1 recognises that the population of Knox will grow by 12,000 persons and 15,000 households over the 25 years to 2030.


In response to this forecast, the Housing Policy directs that infill medium density housing in dispersed residential locations respects and complements the desired future residential character objectives of Clause 22.07 Neighbourhood Character Policy and Clause 22.01 Dandenong Foothills Policy, where relevant.

Before deciding on an application, the responsible authority will consider, as appropriate, whether:

The proposed development will contribute to a diversity of housing in Knox.

· The proposed dwellings incorporate three to four bedrooms to provide for a range of smaller land sizes, however this will not contribute to a diversity of housing within the context of the changing household types in Knox. In order to ensure the proposal provides dwelling diversity, a condition of any approval will require one dwelling to be reduced to a two bedroom dwelling.

The proposed development makes a positive contribution to the desired future urban fabric, amenity and neighbourhood character.

· The proposal generally responds positively to the built form and streetscape characteristics of the surrounding area. The development responds to the low-scale characteristics of the area, minimising visual bulk and providing meaningful and open landscaping areas.

There is access to frequent public transport services between 6.00am and 11.00pm daily, seven days a week.

· The site does not have access to public transport that operates between 6.00am and 11.00pm daily, seven days a week.

4.3 Particular Provisions

Clause 52.06 – Car Parking

Prior to a new use commencing or a new building being occupied the car parking spaces required under Clause 52.06-5 must be provided on the land or as approved under Clause 52.06-3 to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.


Clause 52.06-5 outlines the requisite amount of parking to be provided to each dwelling and any applicable visitor parking at a ratio of two car spaces to each three or more bedroom dwelling (with studies or studios that are separate rooms counted as a bedrooms) and one visitor space to every five dwellings for developments of five or more dwellings.

· The proposal satisfies the car parking provision, with two parking spaces provided to each dwelling.

Clause 52.06-8 details the design standards for car parking. The provision of car parking should meet the design requirements of this Clause. An assessment of the design standards, including any areas of non-compliance are considered below:

Design Standard 1: Accessways – Complies.

Design Standard 2: Car Parking Spaces – Complies.

Design Standard 3: Gradients – Complies.

Design Standard 4: Mechanical Parking – N/A.

Design Standard 5: Urban Design – Complies.

Design Standard 6: Safety – Complies.

Design Standard 7: Landscaping – Complies.

4.4 Clause 55 – Two or More Dwellings on a Lot and Residential Buildings (ResCode)

The proposal generally complies with the provisions of Clause 55 of the Knox Planning Scheme, an assessment of the key criteria; including any areas of non compliance are considered below:

Neighbourhood Character – Complies.

Neighbourhood Character and Infrastructure

Residential Policy – Complies.

Infrastructure – Complies.

Integration with the Street – Complies.


Street Setback – Complies.

Site Layout and Building Massing

Building Height – Complies.

Site Cover/permeability – Complies.

Energy Efficiency – Complies, the design has ensured all dwellings have access to northern solar light and eaves. A condition on any permit will require the development to be constructed in accordance with an approved Sustainable Design Assessment.

Landscaping – Complies, a condition on any permit issued will require that appropriate landscape plans are submitted to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Access – Complies.

Parking location – Complies

Amenity Impacts

Side and rear setbacks – Complies.

Walls on boundaries – Complies.

Daylight to existing windows/north facing windows – Complies.

Overshadowing open space – Complies.

Overlooking – Can comply subject to conditions. There is potential for overlooking from the two Dwelling 1 first floor north facing foyer windows and the Dwelling 3 ground floor west facing multipurpose room window.

Overlooking from the Dwelling 1 first floor foyer windows will be addressed via a condition of approval requiring fixed, angled external screening to be erected to the affected windows to a height of 1.7m from the finished floor level (FFL) of the subject dwelling.

Overlooking from the Dwelling 3 ground floor multipurpose room windows will be addressed with the provision of a 1.8m high timber paling fence with 300mm trellis extension, in lieu of the existing 1.6m high timber paling fence with 300mm trellis extension.

Internal views –Complies.


On-Site Amenity and Facilities

Daylight to new windows – Complies

Private Open Space – Complies

Solar access – Complies

Storage – Complies

Front fence – Complies.

4.5 General Decision Guidelines

Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme and Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 set out decision guidelines/matters which the responsible authority must consider when deciding any planning application.

· The decision guidelines of Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme and Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987) have been appropriately considered.

5. CONCLUSION

Clause 10.04 of the Knox Planning Scheme requires Council to balance relative policy objectives when making decisions to ensure resulting development is sustainable and achieves a net community gain. In this context, the development is appropriate given the following:

· The proposed development is generally consistent with the Housing Policy. As discussed above, the site is located within an established residential area with access to urban services.

· The design of the new dwellings is consistent with the Neighbourhood Character objectives in that (subject to modifications) the dwellings are considered to be low scale, set within an open landscape with ability to provide for new canopy tree planting.

· The development is generally compliant with ResCode and Clause 52.06 (car parking) subject to changes that could be conditioned on any permit issued.

· The proposal is consistent with the purpose of the Residential 3 Zone.

· On balance it is considered that the proposal responds appropriately to State and Local Planning Policies and it is recommended that a Notice of Decision be issued subject to conditions.


RECOMMENDATION

That Council issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit to develop the land for three (3) dwellings comprising two double storey dwellings and one (1) single storey dwelling at 43 David Street, Knoxfield subject to the following conditions:

Amended plans

1. Prior to the commencement of any buildings or works, amended plans to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. When approved, the plans will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit. The plans must be drawn to scale with dimensions and three copies must be provided. The plans must be generally in accordance with the plans prepared by ABP

Consultants P/L submitted 9 September 2013 but modified to show:

1.1 Dwelling 3 must be reduced in size to include a maximum of two (2) bedrooms.

1.2 Dwelling 3 garage must be reduced to a single garage with a minimum setback of 2.4m from the southern boundary.

1.3 Fixed, angled external screening shall be erected to a height of 1.7m from the finished floor level (FFL) of Dwelling 1 first floor north facing foyer windows (x2).

1.4 The western boundary fence must be replaced with a 1.8m high timber paling fence with a freestanding trellis extension 300mm above the fence.

1.5 The proposed accessway must be relocated 800m north to achieve a setback of 1.8m from the side entry pit located to the south of the proposed accessway.

1.6 All meter and letter boxes to be relocated outside the structural root zone of 2.9m from the base of the Eucalyptus robusta located to the south east corner of the site frontage.

1.7 Drainage Plans in accordance with Condition 2 and any necessary modifications.

1.8 Landscape Plans in accordance with Condition 4 and any necessary modifications.



1.9 Sustainable Design Assessment in accordance with Condition 7 and any necessary modifications.

To the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Drainage plans

2. Prior to commencement of any buildings or works, three copies of drainage plans and computations must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. Construction of the drainage is to be in accordance with these plans. The plans must show the following:

2.1 All stormwater drainage discharge from the site connected to a legal point of discharge.

2.2 The internal drains of the dwellings to be independent of each other.

2.3 No structure is to be built over an easement vested in Council, or any drainage asset not in an easement within the property without Council consent.

2.4 An on-site detention system designed by a suitably qualified Civil Engineering Consultant to ensure no net increase in stormwater discharge from the proposed development.

2.5 The on-site detention system to be installed in a suitable location for easy access and maintenance.

2.6 A suitable overland flow path for the entire site to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. Details of the overland flow path are to be included on the plans.

2.7 All levels to be to AHD (Australian Height Datum).


3. Stormwater runoff from all buildings and hardstand surfaces shall be properly collected and discharged in a complete and effective system of drains within the property and shall not cause or create a nuisance to abutting properties.



Landscape plans

4. Prior to the commencement of any buildings or works, a landscape plan to the satisfaction of the responsible authority must be submitted to and approved by the responsible authority. When approved, the plan will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit. The plan must show:

4.1 A survey (including botanical names, height and width) of all existing vegetation to be retained and / or removed.

4.2 The identification and removal of all vegetation identified as an environmental weed in Knox (as outlined in Appendix 2 of Council’s Landscape Guidelines for Planning Permits).

4.3 Buildings and trees (including botanical names, height and width) on neighbouring properties within three metres of the boundary.

4.4 Details of the surface finishes of pathways and driveways.

4.5 Details and location of all existing and proposed services including above and below ground lines, cables and pipes.

4.6 A planting schedule of all proposed trees, shrubs and ground covers, including botanical names, common names, pot sizes, sizes at maturity, and quantities of each plant.

4.7 Landscaping and planting within all open areas of the site (including additional planting within open space areas of the existing dwelling/s).

4.8 The plans must also show the provision of six (6) additional indigenous or native canopy trees and at least 12 additional large shrubs chosen from Appendix 4 or 5 of Council’s Landscape Guidelines for Planning Permits. These canopy trees must be at least two metres tall when planted.




5. Before the occupation of the development, the landscaping works shown on the endorsed plans must be carried out and completed to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.

6. The landscaping shown on the endorsed plans must be maintained to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. Any dead, diseased or damaged plants are to be replaced.

Sustainable Design Assessment

7. Prior to the commencement of any buildings or works, a Sustainable Design Assessment detailing Sustainable Design initiatives to be incorporated into the development must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. The Sustainable Design Assessment must outline the proposed sustainable design initiatives to be incorporated throughout the development such as (but not limited to) energy efficiency, water conservation, stormwater quality, waste management and material selection, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

8. Prior to the occupation of the development, the development must be constructed in accordance with the Sustainable Design Assessment.

General

9. All development must be in accordance with the endorsed plans.

10. The development as shown on the endorsed plans must not be altered without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.

11. Once the development has started it must be continued and completed to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

12. Prior to the occupation of the dwellings the development is to be completed in accordance with the endorsed plan/s to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Car parking and Driveways

13. Before the dwellings are occupied, driveways and carparking areas must be fully constructed in accordance with plans submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority.



14. All driveway and carparking areas as shown on the endorsed plan must be fully constructed to the minimum standard of 100mm depth of reinforced concrete and properly formed to such levels that they can be used in accordance with the plans. Construction using any alternative hardstanding sealed surface is subject to detailed plans to be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority.

15. Parking areas and driveways must be kept available and maintained for these purposes at all times to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Fencing

16. All costs associated with the provision of the fencing are to be borne by the owner/developer under this permit.

17. Prior to the occupancy of the development all fencing shall be in a good condition to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Construction Amenity

18. Upon commencement and until conclusion of the development, the developer shall ensure that the development does not adversely affect the amenity of the area in any way, including:

18.1 the appearance of building, works or materials on the land

18.2 parking of motor vehicles

18.3 transporting of materials or goods to or from the site

18.4 hours of operation

18.5 stockpiling of top soil or fill materials

18.6 air borne dust emanating from the site

18.7 noise

18.8 rubbish and litter

18.9 sediment runoff.



Should the development cause undue detriment to the amenity of the area then immediate remedial measures must be undertaken to address the issue as directed by, and to the satisfaction of, the Responsible Authority.

Permit Expiry

19. This permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies:

19.1 The development is not started within two years of the date of this permit.

19.2 The development is not completed within four years of the date of this permit.

The Responsible Authority may extend the periods referred to if a request is made in writing before the permit expires or within six months afterwards. NOTES

Drainage Notes (to be read in conjunction with the above drainage conditions): · Applicant shall engage a certified Engineering Consultant to analyse

the site’s existing drainage to determine type and size of the Onsite Detention (OSD) system. This shall be designed in accordance with the Knox City Council (Responsible Authority) Stormwater Drainage Guidelines, (copy available on request), and approved drainage design methods specified in the current edition of Australian Rainfall and Runoff. It should be located preferably in a common area to the dwellings, and be easily accessible for maintenance.

· Applicant is to direct all stormwater to the south west corner of the site which represents the Legal Point of Discharge (LPD) for the property. Applicant is to verify this on site. Connect all stormwater discharge from the site to the LPD via an Onsite Detention (OSD) system. The internal drains for the dwellings are to be independent of each other.

· The total Permissible Site Discharge for the property including all dwellings is 5.0 L/s to the existing Council drainage system for a 5 year ARI event.


Recommendation (cont’d) · The Applicant is required to use Australian Height Datum (AHD) to

present levels in all future plans. Applicant must ensure that levels on the plan are accurate.

· Drainage works in the Road reserve or in the Council easement will require a road opening permit.

Other Notes: · A building permit must be obtained before development is

commenced. · Road opening permit must be obtained before development is

commenced. · Buildings are not allowed to be built over Council easements without

Council consent. · The dwelling/s must achieve a minimum 6-Star Energy Rating. · In accordance with Council policy, an 8.5% public open space

contribution may apply in the event of the subdivision of the land. · Dwelling numbers as shown on the endorsed plans do not

necessarily indicate any future street numbers. Property (street) numbering shall be in accordance with Council’s Property (Street) Numbering Policy. Information regarding this can be obtained from Council’s Property and Revenue Services Department on 9298 8215.

· Raised concrete slabs on the existing footpath fronting the site should be grounded.

· All litter and rubbish associated with the construction must be contained on site at all times.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. HOLLAND SECONDED: CR. COOPER That the recommendation be adopted. CARRIED


TIRHATUAN WARD

6.4 DRAFT ROWVILLE PLAN

SUMMARY: Project Manager - Strategic Planning (Jonathan Wright)

This report seeks Council’s adoption of the Draft Rowville Plan and associated documents. The Rowville Plan is a strategic document that sets out a vision and direction for the Stud Park Shopping Centre and surrounding neighbourhood over the next 20 years. Its purpose is to help guide decisions on a wide range of issues important to the future of Rowville, from housing and development to infrastructure and community services. It was developed with extensive input from local residents and community stakeholders over the last 18 months as a replacement for the Stud Park Structure Plan (Stages 1 & 2). The Rowville Plan will support a range of actions towards a shared vision for Rowville’s future, which includes changes to the Knox Planning Scheme to be implemented in conjunction with the revised Knox Housing Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Adopt the Draft Rowville Plan for public exhibition in 2014 (Appendix A);

2. Endorse the background reports associated with the Draft Rowville Plan (Appendices B-F) and make them available during public exhibition of the Draft Rowville Plan.

3. Endorse public exhibition of the draft Rowville Plan, noting that it is planned to occur in conjunction with the exhibition of the Draft Knox Housing Strategy and associated Amendment C131 to the Knox Planning Scheme, to be considered under a separate report at this Council meeting;

4. Authorise the Director - City Development to make design and style changes to the Draft Rowville Plan, where the changes do not alter the content;

5. Formally acknowledge the contributions of the Rowville Community Reference Group in the development of the Draft Rowville Plan;

6. Receive a business case for 2014-2015 for the Rowville Place Program to assist in the implementation of the Rowville Plan.

82 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 6.4 Draft Rowville Plan (cont’d)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the Rowville Plan

The Rowville Plan is a strategic document that sets out a vision and direction for the Stud Park Shopping Centre and surrounding neighbourhoods over the next 20 years. Its purpose is to help guide decisions on a wide range of issues important to the future of Rowville, from housing and development to infrastructure and community services. The Draft Rowville Plan is included as Appendix A.

One of the primary goals of the Rowville Plan is to balance competing priorities in the Rowville community: the preservation of existing residential neighbourhood character and the benefits associated with managed growth and development. The Plan articulates a vision for Rowville’s future that strikes an appropriate balance, providing stronger protections for existing neighbourhoods while still enabling some higher density development in a more compact Activity Centre.

The Rowville Plan provides the strategic basis for an Implementation Plan that will address actions by many different stakeholders with the goal of meeting the objectives in the Rowville Plan. One of the first actions the Rowville Plan enables is an amendment to the Knox Planning Scheme. This amendment will implement the Rowville Plan including new residential zones.

This Planning Scheme Amendment will form part of the same amendment that seeks to implement the new Knox Housing Strategy and is known as Amendment C131.

1.2 Project History

The Rowville Plan replaces the Stud Park Structure Plan (Stage 1 and 2), which previously defined and guided development in the Stud Park (Rowville) Major Activity Centre. The Stud Park Shopping Centre Structure Plan (Stage 1) was adopted by Knox City Council in 2007. This document supported the Stud Park Shopping Centre Development Plan adopted by Council in 2009. The Stud Park (Stage 2) Structure Plan, which applied to the residential areas around the shopping centre, was adopted by Council in June 2010.

The impetus for a new Rowville Plan was a decision by Council in April 2011 to halt the implementation of the Stud Park (Stage 2) Structure Plan through an amendment to the Knox Planning Scheme and review the findings. This decision was in response to: a change in project conditions which included public opposition to plans for development over two storeys in the area; a change in ownership of and long-term vision for the Stud Park Shopping Centre; and challenges in coordinating with state government for the approval and implementation of the Activity Centre Zone (ACZ).


The new Rowville Plan provides an updated approach to development in residential neighbourhoods, enables the creation of a new development plan for the Stud Park Shopping Centre and surrounding commercial properties, and supports the implementation of the new residential zones.

1.3 Supporting Documents

The Rowville Plan is supported by a three-part Background Report and two Technical Studies. Copies of these documents have been placed in the Councillors’ Suite and are available on-line:

· Background Report, Part 1: Context and Research – Provides detail of the existing condition and emerging trends related to land use, demographics, infrastructure, community services and state and local policy. This document provides key drivers of change that influence the objectives in the Rowville Plan. Included here as Appendix B.

· Background Report, Part 2: Community Engagement Summary – The Community Engagement program for the development of the Draft Rowville Plan was called the Rowville: NEXT program. This report documents the events and key findings of this engagement program run by Council from March to May 2013. This document provides key community aspirations that influence the objectives in the Rowville Plan. Included here as Appendix C.

· Background Report, Part 3: Evaluation of Land Use Options – Examines the potential effects of different levels of development in the residential neighbourhoods surrounding Stud Park on the full range of issues addressed in the Plan. This document provides an overview of how three options for growth balance competing priorities in the Rowville Plan. Included here as Appendix D.

· Technical Studies: Council commissioned two expert studies to examine potential issues related to transport and stormwater management. The Rowville Transport Study and the Rowville Stormwater Management Study examine the potential effects of a range of development options on the respective infrastructure systems, and form part of the evidence base for future strategic directions in the Rowville Plan. Included here as Appendices E and F.

2. DISCUSSION

2.1 Role of Long-Term Planning

Over 34,000 people live, work, and play in Rowville every day, each with their own goals and ideas about the future. In order to provide guidance for Rowville’s future it was important to first understand the full range of ideas and priorities within our community.


Providing clear guidance and directions for future decisions requires a clear vision for the future of Rowville. Recent years have seen many new challenges arrive in Rowville, including development pressures and increased demands on infrastructure. While previous plans and Council policies have served the Rowville community well in the past, we need an approach that can respond to these challenges and capitalise on the opportunities of a maturing suburb.

The Rowville Plan provides a shared vision for the future based on the five City Plan themes that will help guide future decisions by Council and the community related to land use, infrastructure, and community services. The Rowville Plan aims to deliver on this vision by setting out objectives and strategies to implement the City Plan at the local level.

2.2 Community Input

Planning for the future is a balancing act. A suburb as large and diverse as Rowville can present many opportunities and some challenges in how this occurs. With a range of ambitions and ideas about the future, the community does not always agree on exactly what the future should look like. When there is agreement on the issues, it is often the case there are differing priorities on what to do first. And even when our priorities are clear, the factors driving change often require us to adjust our goals and adapt our solutions. Some decisions will allow us to deliver complimentary solutions with multiple benefits to many people; others will require compromises to achieve the best balance of outcomes for the community.

There was a wide range of ideas and strong opinions expressed by the community throughout community engagement. While there were common issues that were raised by many people, the diversity of views expressed was very broad. It was clear that participants were passionate about the community and interested to have a voice in shaping the future of Rowville.

One of the strongest themes that emerged was a concern about high-rise and high-density development appearing in existing neighbourhoods, particularly along Stamford Crescent west of Stud Road. There were many underlying reasons given for this concern, from traffic and flooding risks to loss of character and privacy. Advocating in favour of Rowville Rail was another common priority among participants; although many were sceptical it would be built within 20 years.

Other important community priorities that emerged from the engagement process included: a diverse mix of services and activities at Stud Park, traffic congestion and parking on main roads and local streets, safe, high-quality parks, recreational facilities, and open space, leafy streetscapes and views to the Dandenong Ranges, and activities and services for young people.


2.3 Drivers of Change

Rowville is a suburb in transition. As the last greenfield areas in Rowville are built out, population growth is slowing. At the same time, Australia-wide shifts towards smaller households and an older population is changing the way we live and the services we need. A changing climate is changing how we use resources and interact with our natural environment. As Rowville moves from a period of rapid growth into one of redevelopment, the impacts of these changes are being felt differently in Rowville than other parts of Knox. The way we respond to change and the decisions we make together will shape the resiliency of Rowville for decades to come.

· Housing Mismatch – A number of factors including an ageing population and changes to family structures have lead to a decline in average household sizes that has created a mismatch in the type of housing demanded and the current supply of large family houses.

· Development Pressures – Rowville is experiencing an emerging increase in planning applications and construction of higher density residential development, which is disrupting existing neighbourhoods and has the potential to place additional strain on infrastructure and services in the future.

· Changing Community Service Needs – A slowing in overall population growth and a general ageing in place is leading to changes in the types of community services needed in Rowville, which has the potential to create future gaps in services for aged residents.

· Risks to Physical Health – Risk factors to health such as overweight and obesity are higher in Rowville than in other parts of Knox, which could lead to a greater demand on health services and a more financially vulnerable population in the future.

· Vulnerability to Social and Economic Pressures – Many stresses and strains of suburban life are present in Rowville, including time pressures and social isolation caused by the combination of busy lives, long travel distances, lack of transport choices, and economic uncertainty. As a result, Rowville residents are especially vulnerable to changes in personal conditions, family circumstances, and the broader economic environment.

· Transport Network Nearing Capacity – Traffic congestion and the long travel times and delay it causes have been a consistent problem in Rowville over many years. There are many contributing factors, both inside and outside Rowville itself, and many of these are increasing.


· Shift to a Greater Local Voice in Planning – Increasingly, communities across Victoria are requesting a greater voice in planning for their own future. Recent changes in the state planning system are reflecting this by placing a greater emphasis on local control of issues related to growth and development. This in turn is placing greater responsibility on local Councils and community stakeholders to work together in developing and implementing a shared vision for their future.

2.4 Key Directions of the Rowville Plan

The fundamental challenge in planning for Rowville’s future is how to balance two very important competing aspirations within our community: the desire to preserve the existing character of Rowville’s neighbourhoods and the benefits associated with increasing density and diversity within Activity Centres. Knox Council acknowledges a strong desire within the Rowville community to preserve the characteristics that have attracted families to its quiet, leafy neighbourhoods over the years. While the Rowville Plan recognises a need to accommodate some growth and change in order to deliver more choices in housing, transport, recreation and services, it seeks to influence how and where this change occurs by providing a vision and directions that emphasise a managed approach.

The Rowville Plan includes the following broad directions:

· Protect the quiet, leafy character of Rowville’s neighbourhoods: The Rowville Plan places a strong emphasis on preserving existing neighbourhood character by enabling zoning changes which restrict building heights in most areas to under 9m and require larger amounts of private open space.

· Increase different housing choices in a smaller Activity Centre: The Rowville Plan provides opportunities for a diversity of housing by focusing development of townhouses, apartments, and multi-unit dwellings in a small number of areas considered appropriate to existing neighbourhoods, a number of strategic opportunity sites, and the Commercial Core.

· Encourage better transport choices to combat congestion: The Rowville Plan seeks to support better transport choices by directing growth within the Activity Centre to increase opportunities for walking locally and improve the viability of public transport for longer trips to Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

· Create a Public ‘Heart’ for Rowville’s Community: The Rowville Plan seeks to leverage existing community assets such as the Rowville Community Centre and surrounding open space and parks and the large new public spaces at Stamford Park to deliver new spaces for and venues that could serve as a focus for recreating, socialising, and arts and cultural life in Rowville.


· Support more local options for shopping, dining, & entertainment: The Rowville Plan will inform the development of planning controls which set key parameters for future expansion of the Stud Park Shopping Centre and surrounding commercial areas, including support for a ‘Main Street’ concept that could provide cafes and outdoor dining along Fulham Road.

· Balance services and support for a changing and ageing population: The Rowville Plan encourages the provision of services in the Activity Centre for people of all ages and needs. It also seeks to provide more options for smaller housing for people at all stages of life, whether looking to downsize or buy a first home locally.

· Promote sustainable solutions to building resilient infrastructure: The Rowville Plan seeks to embed sustainable best practices including water sensitive urban design (WSUD) in the local planning scheme, and to link to existing Council policies to support the community’s desire to increase planning and maintenance of native vegetation in local streets, parks, and on private property.

· Enable a greater voice for the community in future planning: The program for developing and implementing actions and initiatives that support the objectives and strategies in the Rowville Plan will rely on facilitating partnerships and building capacity for enacting change within the entire Rowville community. The Plan recommends an ongoing place-based approach to assist this aspiration.

2.5 Recommended Changes to the Knox Planning Scheme

Exhibition of proposed changes to the Knox Planning Scheme are proposed to occur in parallel to exhibition of the draft Rowville Plan. Importantly, this will allow the community to consider the strategic directions of the plan and changes to the planning scheme at the same time.

The Rowville Plan guides the application of new residential zones within the Study Area (informed by the revised Knox Housing Strategy). Application of new residential zones is proposed to occur at the same time across the whole municipality -informed by the review of the Knox Housing Strategy. Therefore implementation of both the Housing Strategy and the Rowville Plan has been combined into one amendment (amendment ‘C131’) to the Knox Planning Scheme. This amendment is reported to Council under separate cover at this Council meeting. The components of Amendment C131 related to the Rowville Plan are:

· Rezoning – Translation of residential areas within the Rowville Plan Study Area to the new residential zones, guided by the Rowville Plan and informed by the new Knox Housing Strategy.


This includes proposed rezoning of 1060 Stud Road (former pool/nursery site) from Commercial 2 Zone (C2Z) to Residential Growth Zone. The current C2Z is no longer considered appropriate for this site; the permissible uses within this new zone are not consistent with the adjoining zoning (primarily residential). There are limited sites within Rowville that can contribute to housing diversity and it is considered that this site can provide an important contribution. This site has direct access to the SmartBus route and adjoining Stamford Park, providing transport options and amenity for future residents.

· Local Policy – New Clause 22.13 to the Knox Planning Scheme “Rowville Activity Centre” defines directions for developments within a more compact Activity Centre boundary.

· Development Plan Overlay – DPO12 sets out requirements necessary before planning permits can be issued for commercially zoned land in the Commercial Core, which includes the Stud Park Shopping Centre and adjacent properties north and south of Fulham Road. This will replace the existing DPO1 which covers commercial land south of Fulham Road.

· Design Development Overlay – DDO9 provides additional guidance on built form, including building heights and interface treatments, for four Opportunity Sites within the Residential Growth Zone: 1060 Stud Road (former pool/nursery site to be rezoned to residential), 1070 Stud Road (Rowville ACF Church), 15 Fulham Road (Peppertree Hill Retirement Village), and 1103 Stud Road (veterinary clinic).

2.6 Implementation Plan and Rowville Place Program

The Rowville Plan will support a range of actions to achieve the objectives and strategies. The Implementation Plan will continue to be developed as Council moves towards the final Rowville Plan to help understand the timeframes and responsible parties for each action, and track progress over time.

One of the first actions is an amendment to the Knox Planning Scheme to enact the land use recommendations in the Plan, as described above. Other potential actions that will inform the development of the Implementation Plan are included in the Draft Rowville Plan as a list of ‘Actions to Consider’.

The Implementation Plan will be a living document that continues to evolve over the years to come. It is proposed that Council and the Rowville community continue to work together through a strategic Rowville Place Program to facilitate the ongoing implementation of the Rowville Plan. A business case will be prepared for a Place Program for Rowville for Council’s consideration as part of 2014-2015 budget process, which will provide a process to develop and refine new initiatives and programs and help guide and track their delivery over time.


3. CONSULTATION

3.1 Rowville Community Reference Group

The Rowville Community Reference Group (CRG) was appointed by Council in June 2012 to provide advice on a range of issues relevant to the Rowville Plan and to facilitate consultation and engagement with the broader community. The group met eight times between August 2012 and September 2013 to discuss the key issues in depth, test and refine engagement activities, and advise Council on communication for the project.

This group of sixteen dedicated community members has served a valuable and important role in the development of the Draft Rowville Plan to date.

3.2 Relationship with Knox@50 Program

The engagement program for the Draft Rowville Plan built on the learnings and activities of the Knox@50 program. The Knox@50 project included small-scale engagements across Knox called ‘vox pops’, where Council set up information booths across the city and held discussions with residents about the future of their local community.

Council hosted five vox pops in and around the Rowville Study Area that included engagement for the Rowville Plan. This included a six-hour vox pop at Stud Park, where members of the Rowville CRG joined Council officers in speaking to community members and encouraging participation in the development of the Rowville Plan.

3.3 Community Workshops

A major engagement program was undertaken from March to May 2013. The major engagement events were two Community Workshops held at the Stamford Hotel in Rowville. Workshop #1 was a three-hour facilitated session that focused on building a decision-making framework for evaluating land use options. Workshop #2 was a four-hour open house that introduced three land use options and asked residents to evaluate each against the key issues. The variety of meeting times and formats was designed to reach people with different schedules and participation styles.

3.4 Survey of Community Priorities

The engagement included a survey of community priorities that asked participants to select their top five most important issues and bottom five least important issues for Rowville. This list of issues was informed by the previous structure plan, learnings from Knox@50, results of Council research, and input from the Rowville CRG.


The survey was mailed to properties in the Study Area and was available on-line. It was run as a facilitated activity with the Rowville CRG, as an activity at Community Workshop #1, and with Rowville Secondary College Students at the Knox Innovation Opportunity & Sustainability Centre (KISOC).

The combination of the on-line and paper surveys yielded 603 responses from community members that informed the ranking of priorities issues.

3.5 Rowville: NEXT Multimedia Awareness Campaign

Knox Council ran a multimedia campaign called “Rowville: NEXT” between March and May 2013 to raise awareness of the project and encourage people to participate in the development of the Rowville Plan. The centrepiece was a series of postcard invitations to the Community Workshops. The designs for these postcards included images of change over time related to living, working, and playing in Rowville.

Over 8,000 postcards were delivered within the Study Area. Approximately 1,300 postcards were distributed by: handing them out at vox pops, festivals, and other events; distributing them to Council committees and interest groups; giving them to members of the Rowville Community Reference Group to hand out to friends and neighbours; and making them available at the customer counters at Knox Civic Centre, Rowville Library, the Rowville Customer Service Centre at Stud Park, and the Rowville District & Neighbourhood House at the Rowville Community Centre.

3.6 Future Community Engagement Opportunities

The next opportunity for public consultation will be through the exhibition of the Rowville Plan and the associated amendment to the Knox Planning Scheme. This is proposed for an eight week period over February and March 2014. This process is proposed to be run in coordination with the exhibition of the Housing Policy. During this time, community members will have the opportunity to make submissions on the content of the Draft Rowville Plan and the proposed Planning Scheme amendment.

Further information of the process, results and impact on the Rowville Plan are presented in the Background Report Part 2: Community Engagement.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL/AMENITY ISSUES

The Rowville Plan is expected to have a beneficial impact on the natural environment and amenity of neighbourhoods in Rowville. In particular, the Plan seeks to provide stronger protections for the existing amenity and character of Rowville’s neighbourhoods and guidance for ways to preserve and enhance the natural environment.


The Rowville Plan will facilitate intensity of development in appropriate areas with good access to shops, services, and transport (particularly public transport), and will enhance the elements of living in Rowville that are important to residents, particularly the ‘green and leafy’ character, openness and private open space.

5. FINANCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

The Rowville Plan project is funded under the 2013-2014 Council Budget.

The Rowville Plan seeks to provide clear guidance on what development is considered appropriate and not appropriate in various locations. This includes limiting development in areas designated as ‘Lowest Change’. Landowners in these areas may not be able to develop their land for more than one additional dwelling, and many may not be able to develop any additional dwellings at all. This proposed approach to managing change with regard to housing in Knox will seek to preserve the existing nature of the majority of residential development in the suburban context with high amenity, large backyards in a landscaped setting. While preserving positive amenity, this may be considered by some to have financial consequences for some landowners whose land will have diminished development potential.

6. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The Rowville Plan is expected to have a positive impact on the social environment in Rowville. In particular, the Plan seeks to highlight many of the key issues causing tension within the local community and provide guidance for balanced directions to managing those tensions. This includes clearer directions about the type of development expected in Rowville over the next 20 years. The Rowville Plan aims to provide greater certainty for residents and developers in this area.

The Rowville Plan also highlights a number of drivers of stress and hardship facing parts of Rowville’s population and provides support for initiatives to address these issues. This includes strategies related to demographic change, development pressures, community connectedness, time pressures, housing stress, and activities for all ages.


7. RELEVANCE TO CITY PLAN 2013-17 (INCORPORATING THE COUNCIL PLAN)

The Rowville Plan seeks to implement the Knox City Plan at the local level in Rowville, specifically for the Rowville Study Area and Rowville Activity Centre. The vision, objectives, strategies and potential actions are described with respect to the delivery of all five of the City Plan Themes.

· Healthy, Connected Communities

· Prosperous, Advancing Economy

· Vibrant and Sustainable Built and Natural Environments

· Culturally Rich and Active Communities

· Democratic and Engaged Communities

8. CONCLUSION

The Draft Rowville Plan represents an important milestone in planning for the future land use, infrastructure, and community services in Rowville. Along with the revised Knox Housing Strategy, it provides a higher level of clarity around issues of development, particularly in existing residential neighbourhoods, that has been lacking in Rowville over the last few years. The guidance provided in the Rowville Plan and associated amendment to the Knox Planning Scheme will provide more certainty for residents, developers, and Council about what type of development is appropriate and expected in Rowville over the next twenty years.

The Rowville Plan responds to the community’s clear desire for stronger protections of existing neighbourhood character by providing a more compact Activity Centre and applying the new residential zones. It also responds to important global and local trends that are affecting Rowville by allowing for some growth and change in appropriate areas of the Activity Centre that will help Rowville adapt to the future needs related to housing choice, range of activities, diversity of recreation and cultural activities, and changing environmental conditions.

It is therefore recommended that Council adopt the Draft Rowville Plan and associated background reports as the basis for a community engagement process in 2014. The Amendment to the Knox Planning Scheme that seeks to implement the Draft Rowville Plan and the Knox Housing Strategy has been combined into one amendment C131 to the Knox Planning Scheme. This amendment is recommended for consideration to Council under a separate cover to this Council meeting 26 November 2013.


9. CONFIDENTIALITY


COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. SEYMOUR SECONDED: CR. ORPEN

That Council:

1. Adopt the Draft Rowville Plan for public exhibition in 2014 (Appendix A);

2. Endorse the background reports associated with the Draft Rowville Plan (Appendices B-F) and make them available during public exhibition of the Draft Rowville Plan.

3. Endorse public exhibition of the draft Rowville Plan, noting that it is planned to occur in conjunction with the exhibition of the Draft Knox Housing Strategy and associated Amendment C131 to the Knox Planning Scheme, to be considered under a separate report at this Council meeting;

4. Authorise the Director - City Development to make design and style changes to the Draft Rowville Plan, where the changes do not alter the content;

5. Formally acknowledge the contributions of the Rowville Community Reference Group in the development of the Draft Rowville Plan;

6. Receive a business case for 2014-2015 for the Rowville Place Program to assist in the implementation of the Rowville Plan.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

MOVED: CR. ORPEN SECONDED: CR. LOCKWOOD

That Councillor Seymour be permitted an extension of time to speak under Clause 47 of the Meeting Procedure and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2008. CARRIED

THE MOTION WAS CARRIED

94 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 6.4 Draft Rowville Plan (cont’d) The following appendices are distributed under separate cover: APPENDIX A – Draft Rowville Plan (November 2013) APPENDIX B – Rowville Plan Background Report Part 1: Context & Research APPENDIX C – Rowville Plan Background Report Part 2: Community Engagement APPENDIX D - Rowville Plan Background Report Part 3: Evaluation of Land Use

Options APPENDIX E – Rowville Transport Study APPENDIX F: – Rowville Stormwater Management Study

95 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 COUNCILLOR COOPER VACATED THE CHAMBER AT 8.18PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 6.5 COUNCILLOR COOPER RETURNED TO THE CHAMBER AT 8.20PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 6.5

ALL WARDS

6.5 DRAFT KNOX HOUSING STRATEGY 2013 AND PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT C131 (HOUSING AND ROWVILLE PLAN)

SUMMARY: Project Manager – Strategic Planning (Claire Anderson) and Senior Strategic Planner – Strategic Planning (Sarah Lane)

This report outlines the draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013, draft Knox Residential Design Guidelines and proposed Amendment C131 to the Knox Planning Scheme. This suite of documents and planning controls is Council’s proposed plan and implementation package for managing future residential development in Knox. The package builds on the Knox@50 community engagement project and will help implement City Plan 2013-17.

Subject to Council’s adoption of the draft Rowville Plan, Amendment C131 also includes a proposed suite of planning controls to implement the Rowville Plan, ensuring an integrated planning approach.

Subject to Council’s endorsement and the Minister for Planning’s authorisation, it is proposed to publicly exhibit the suite of documents and planning controls for both Housing and the Rowville Plan in February-March 2014.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Endorse the following documents for the purpose of public exhibition in accordance with the Communications and Engagement Plan (Appendix D) ;

1.1 Appendix A - Draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013

1.2 Appendix B - Draft Knox Residential Design Guidelines

1.3 Appendix C - Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C131 documentation (noting that this Amendment includes implementation of the draft Rowville Plan)

2. Endorse the Communications and Engagement Plan (Appendix D);

3. Seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit Planning Scheme Amendment C131;

96 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 6.5 Draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013 and Planning Scheme Amendment

C131 (Housing and Rowville Plan) cont’d.

4. Request an extension of time from the Minister for Planning from Ministerial Direction Number 15 to allow for the Christmas/New Year period.

5. Write to the Minister for Planning seeking confirmation that there will not be a direct translation of the new residential zones on 30 June 2014, given that Council will be well advanced in the application of its new zones;

6. Subject to receiving authorisation from the Minister for Planning, place Amendment C131 on public exhibition for a period of two months;

7. Authorise the Director - City Development to make:

7.1 Design and style changes to the draft Strategy and Guidelines, where the changes do not alter the content; and

7.2 Minor changes to Amendment C131, where the changes do not affect the purpose or intent of the Amendment, after the exhibition period; and

8. Note that the draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013 and proposed Amendment C131:

8.1 Designate the Mountain Gate Activity Centre from a Major Activity Centre to a Neighbourhood Activity Centre;

8.2 Designate the Waverley Golf Course and adjoining land as a ‘Strategic Site’ and advocate for and facilitate changes to the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to include the land within the UGB to enable further investigation and consideration for future residential development; and

8.3 Rezone 1060 Stud Road, Rowville from a Commercial 2 Zone to a Residential Growth Zone 3 (RGZ3).

1. INTRODUCTION

Appropriate housing is central to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. The draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013 (the Strategy) is Council’s new plan for managing residential development to respond to the current and future needs of the Knox community, while protecting and enhancing the green and leafy character that is valued by so many in Knox. A balanced approach is therefore needed. To achieve this, the Strategy builds on the existing policy to protect key areas such as the Dandenong Foothills and Sites of Biological Significance, and applies a new, strengthened ‘scaled approach’ to housing development across the different areas of Knox.


C131 (Housing and Rowville Plan) (cont’d)

Draft Residential Design Guidelines (the Guidelines) are part of the Strategy. The Guidelines clearly explain what types of housing can be built in each area of Knox, and sets out detailed design requirements.

To enable Council to assess future development proposals against the Strategy and Guidelines, they must be given statutory effect in the Knox Planning Scheme. A planning scheme amendment (‘Amendment C131’) is therefore required. Amendment C131 proposes to implement the Strategy, the Design Guidelines and Rowville Plan (subject to Council’s adoption of this Plan).

2. DISCUSSION

2.1 Why do we need a Housing Strategy?

We need a long term plan for housing to help ensure that residents of Knox, both now and in the future, have reasonable access to housing that meets their needs. We know that Knox has changed over time and will continue to change into the future. For example, the 2011 Census data shows that:

· People over 55 make up 25.3% of the Knox population, which represents an increase of 8% over ten years.

· The proportion of children (aged 0-14 years) in Knox dropped from 20.3% in 2006 to 18.5% in 2011.

· The number of ‘lone person’ and ‘couple only’ households has increased slightly from 41% in 2006 to 43% in 2011.

· Twenty-eight percent of Knox residents were born overseas, an increase from 25% in 2006.

Some notable future trends that are forecast include*:

· The proportion of children is forecast to decrease to 17.6% by 2021.

· The age group which is forecast to have the largest proportional increase (relative to its population size) by 2021 is 70-74 year olds, who are forecast to increase by 121.8%.

· The biggest change in household type is forecast to be the increase in ‘couple only’ households, forecast to make up 32.4% of all households in 2021.

(*2006 forecasts updated with 2011 Census based population estimates. Source: forecast.id)

While it is important to ensure that our future housing needs are met, we also need to protect and enhance the characteristics of Knox that residents enjoy. Key messages from the community regarding housing through the 2012 Knox@50 Community Engagement Program, which provided input into the Knox Vision: Our City Our Future and Knox City Plan 2013-17, were:



· The importance of achieving quality building design that contributes positively to neighbourhoods.

· A diversity of housing is needed, but different types of housing need to be sympathetic to the character of neighbourhoods.

· The green and leafy character of Knox remains a key aspect of Knox that residents value and identify with.

· The Dandenongs provide an imposing backdrop to the whole municipality and are valued by residents in all areas, not just those who live in the Foothills.

· The link between increased density and increased demands on infrastructure is an important one.

· The ability to ‘live locally’ – live, work, and recreate locally – is important.

· The ‘feeling’ of openness/’country feel’ is highly valued. This is seen to be under threat from development. A sense of ‘openness’ is delivered through large backyards, not just formal open space (i.e. private and public open space).

· The distinction between Knox and the inner city is strong in the community - ‘we didn’t move here to live on top of each other’.

· Many respondents acknowledged that housing diversity is needed in hubs/activity centres, making a clear connection between increased density, transport options and open space.

· The look, feel and location (character of an area) is an essential component of people’s acceptance of or resistance to different types of housing (whilst the need for diversity is acknowledged).

· People like living in Knox.

2.2 A balanced approach to future housing in Knox

The draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013 (Appendix A) aims to achieve a balance by seeking: ‘to ensure that the changing needs of a diverse community are supported through planned growth and change in housing and infrastructure that respects both built form and natural systems, and resource availability’. This is summarised in Section 7 (Relevance to City Plan 2013-17).

The Strategy acknowledges that where there is increased housing there also needs to be appropriate consideration and investment in services and infrastructure.



The draft Strategy continues to provide the head of power for the Knox Affordable Housing Action Plan. This carries over the existing relationship between the Affordable Housing Action Plan and our current housing strategy, the Knox Housing Strategy 2005 (updated 2007).

2.3 A ‘scaled approach’ to future housing

To achieve the balance discussed in Section 2.2, the Strategy proposes a ‘scaled approach’ to future residential development in Knox. This approach identifies the role that different areas in Knox will play in accommodating new housing. It directs the majority of new housing to areas with good access to shops, services, infrastructure and employment (‘Activity Areas’ and ‘Local Living’) and away from areas with special local character and significant environmental values (‘Knox Neighbourhood’ and ‘Bush Suburban’).


C131 (Housing and Rowville Plan) (cont’d) The following table provides a summary of each housing change area and briefly describes the intent for each of these areas:

Area This area will... Bush Suburban areas are focused on the areas that have distinctive and significant biological and landscape values. (includes the Dandenong Foothills and Sites of Biological Significance)

· Contribute to the protection and enhancement of Knox’s distinctive environmental and biological values.

· Continue to be low-scale neighbourhoods, characterised mostly by detached houses, where significant indigenous and native vegetation is retained and complemented.

Knox Neighbourhood areas have the characteristics that many people value about living in Knox – a sense of open space, fresh air, trees. In this sense, they are ‘typical Knox’ and represent the majority of our residential areas. Some areas have access to bus services, but in many locations the car is the main way of getting around.

· Continue to be low-scale neighbourhoods, characterised by detached house and dual occupancies; some villa units on larger blocks.

· Retain their green and leafy character through the retention of front and backyards, and the retention and planting of trees and vegetation.

· Not be appropriate for more intensive types of development.

Local Living areas are focused around larger local ‘villages’ (Wantirna Mall, Studfield, Scoresby Village and Mountain Gate, Stud Park). These areas are within walking distance of local shops and have access to several transport options to get to other locations within and beyond Knox. Most of these areas are located close to a SmartBus route.

· Contribute to creating quality designed detached houses, dual occupancies, villa units and townhouses.

· Contribute to and enhance Knox’s green and leafy identity and character.

· Enhance the ‘village feel’ of local shopping areas, whilst providing different styles, types and design of housing that is well located.

Activity Areas are either located on a SmartBus route or are close to regional infrastructure such as train stations, bus interchanges, universities, large shopping centres, leisure facilities and employment opportunities (for example, around Boronia, Bayswater, Knox Central). In these areas, public transport is well serviced, being a train line or regular bus service.

· See a greater change in housing styles, more than other areas in Knox.

· Balance the retention of the green and leafy character, whilst allowing more intensive residential development.

· Allow more people to live close to everyday and specialised services to support their needs and lifestyle changes.

· Contribute to quality residential development that is well-designed both architecturally and functionally to enhance the quality of living in Activity Areas in Knox.



Page 17 of Appendix A includes the proposed map of each area. The diagram below shows that the vast majority of residential land in Knox is proposed to be located in the lower change Knox Neighbourhood and Bush Suburban areas. Only 5% of all residential land in Knox is proposed for the higher change Local Living and Activity Areas (new housing, as part of a mixed use development, will continue to be encouraged in commercial areas in the core of most Local Living and Activity Areas).



The draft Strategy identifies preferred housing types for each area. These are:

The Boronia, Bayswater and Knox Central activity centres are designated Activity Areas. Development within these areas will continue to be largely guided by adopted Structure Plans and the accompanying existing planning controls. Similarly, the existing Dandenong Foothills policies and controls will continue to apply to this area. Limited changes are proposed to enhance the current controls; these are outlined in Section 2.8 below.



2.4 How is the proposed Strategy different from the current plan?

The draft Strategy refines and substantially strengthens Council’s current scaled approach to future housing, as outlined in the Knox Housing Statement 2005 (updated 2007). The proposed Strategy is more locally specific and less ‘one size fits all’. It maps distinct areas with hard boundaries for the first time, providing greater certainty for Knox residents, investors, service providers, developers and the broader community.

The draft Strategy differs from the current strategy (Knox Housing Statement) in the following ways:

· Residential areas that have Sites of Biological Significance are designated Bush Suburban areas to minimise development to support the retention and planting of vegetation to enhance habitat.

· Local Living areas apply to a fewer locations around Neighbourhood Centres which have characteristics to make them suitable for a greater diversity of housing at a scale that is still reasonable in the Knox context. Local Living areas in the new Strategy are smaller in area when comparing them to the current strategy where medium density housing is encouraged within 400 metres of all Neighbourhood Centres (this will no longer apply in the new Strategy).

· The role of the Principal Public Transport Route (PPTN) is allowing for high density development in fewer areas that are considered to be well-serviced by public transport only. Activity Areas therefore apply to land with direct frontage to a SmartBus route. The current Statement encourages medium density housing along the entire PPTN, regardless of the level of service.

2.5 Draft Residential Design Guidelines

The draft Residential Design Guidelines (Appendix B) are proposed to be applied to ensure that new residential development is designed according to specific requirements for the relevant area and housing type. The Guidelines aim to substantially improve the quality, design, sustainability and accessibility of residential development. The Guidelines are highly visual and user friendly, and designed to be used by designers and the broader community.



The Guidelines also apply the scaled approach*. For example:

Design requirement

Bush Suburban Knox Neighbourhood

Local Living* Activity Area*

Maximum building height

2 storeys/ 8 metres

2 storeys/ 8 metres

3 storeys/ 9 metres

3 storeys/ 9 metres

Maximum building footprint

40% 60% 60% 60%

*Except where existing planning controls take precedence, e.g. height controls in Design and Development Overlays that apply to the Bayswater and Boronia Activity Areas (centres), Development Plan Overlay that applies to Stamford Park.

Key features of the Design Guidelines include:

· Increased private open space requirements for Bush Suburban and Knox Neighbourhood areas to 100m2 minimum per dwelling (from the current 60m2 in Residential 3 Zone and 40m2 in the Residential 1 Zone). This will maintain capacity for the valued backyard in Knox, which will be large enough for outdoor living areas such as a deck or paved courtyard as well as at least one canopy tree.

· New requirements for canopy tree planting in all areas, including minimum number of canopy trees per land area (e.g. at least 1 tree per 175m2), front garden (e.g. at least 1 tree per 5m of width), secluded private open space (e.g. at least 1 per area). This will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the valued ‘green and leafy’ character; both the neighbourhood streetscape character and the leafy backyard.

· Lower building heights that reflect the Knox character, including a 2 storey mandatory maximum in Bush Suburban areas, 2 storey preferred maximum in Knox Neighbourhood areas and a 3 storey preferred maximum in Living Local and Activity Areas (unless a Structure Plan or other guidance for height controls already apply). These will support the preferred housing types for each area and achieve a scale of development appropriate to the Knox character.

· Front setbacks of 9 metres in all areas except Activity Areas (6m) to allow space for canopy trees to enhance the green and leafy streetscape character.

· Direction on how to achieve better quality, more sustainable and accessible design, such as second storeys set back, wide eaves, solar access, wide and step-free entries.



The draft Design Guidelines have been subject to an intensive ‘road testing’ process and were reviewed by the State Government Architect’s office.

The road testing process involved an expert designer and applicant representative taking design guidelines such as setbacks and private open space and appliying them to hypothetical sites and development scenarios. These were also compared with Council’s statutory planners’ current experience with applications in Knox. The process led to a series of refinements to the Guidelines to ensure that the future character intent for each area and the associated housing types could actually be achieved on the ground in most cases. For example, the concept of a ‘dwelling ratio’ was tested and found to be less useful in achieving good outcomes than a larger private open space requirement (in conjuction with others).

The State Government Architect’s office also reviewed the draft Guidelines. Feedback was generally positive, advising that the strategic objectives are clear. Some restructuring to strengthen the overall vision of each area and emphasis on more ‘best practice’ examples and encourage innovation of housing types was suggested. Where possible, the Guidelines have been updated to reflect this advice.

Future measures to help implement the Strategy include, subject to funding, obtaining expert design advice on proposals during the early stages of the planning permit application process to improve design quality. It is also proposed to prepare more detailed brochures and materials on specific aspects of quality design such as accessible or sustainable design to further assist designers and developers to include these features in new development.

2.6 Strategic Sites

The draft Strategy identifies fourteen ‘strategic sites’ across Knox that are not currently used for residential purposes. They are sites where the current land use is likely to change in a short to mid-term timeframe and could be suitable for future residential development (either entirely or in part). Some sites are suitable for a mix of complementary uses, where residential development may not be the main driver. These are (see Appendix A –for more detail, including a map):



Site Possible future uses 1 and 2 – Wantirna Health Precinct Health industry; some ancillary residential

development such as aged or disability care. 3 – Wantirna Heights School Residential. 4 – Bayswater Triangle (bound by Scoresby Road, Mountain Highway and Station Street)

Variety of uses including hotel/convention centre, library/multipurpose community centre, commercial and residential development.

5 – Boronia Heights College Residential and open space. 6 – Norvel Road Quarry, Ferntree Gully Residential, open space, environmental

protection. 7 – 51 Kleinert Road, Boronia – DPI site Residential and commercial. 8 – Mountain Gate Triangle Mix of uses. 9 – Knox Retirement Village (Burwood Highway)

Residential (aged care).

10 – Jenkins Orchard, Wantirna South Residential, small commercial centre. 11 – Boral Quarry, Wantirna South Mix of commercial and residential. 12 – Kingston Links Golf Course Mix of commercial and residential. 13 – Waverley Golf Course (and adjoining sites of Stud Road)

Residential (subject to review and inclusion within Urban Growth Boundary).

14 – ‘Camel Corner’, Burwood and Mountain Highways, Wantirna

Residential

Given that Knox does not have large areas of ‘greenfield’ land that many outer-suburban councils in Melbourne’s west and north have, strategic sites will play an important role in providing new areas of housing and a range of other uses for future generations.

In some cases, current landowners have indicated their future aspirations for their land; in addition, other sites that warrant further investigation have been proactively identified. Identifying these sites in the draft Strategy is by no means a guarantee of what will occur, but it does acknowledge that within some strategic sites, there may be opportunities for residential development alongside ‘infill development’ in existing residential areas.

Where land is not currently zoned for residential purposes, a detailed, rigorous and public process is required to rezone these parcels of land. In all cases, there will be factors that must be considered and addressed before the sites can be used for residential purpose (e.g. protection of significant vegetation, interfaces with adjoining residential areas etc.). All sites will be subject to further investigation and planning work to determine their suitability or otherwise for residential or mixed use development.

Waverley Golf Course and adjoining land are located outside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), meaning residential development is currently prohibited. A review and inclusion of the land inside the UGB is necessary to consider future residential development.



The new Strategy proposes 14 sites and therefore reviews the current list of 33 ‘Strategic Redevelopment Sites’ in the Knox Housing Statement. This is because the proposed list focuses on larger sites that are likely to be re-developed in the short to mid-term, and removes several sites that have been recently developed, have significant constraints such as flooding or are too small to warrant inclusion.

2.7 Housing for older people

The draft Strategy proposes a policy that encourages and supports housing specifically for older people, including retirement villages, nursing homes and aged care hostels. This proposed approach seeks to respond to the growing need for more housing options for older people now and in the future. The policy is in addition to encouraging smaller dwellings in Activity Areas and Local Living areas, which will also provide more housing choices for older Knox residents who wish to downsize and stay living in their local area (‘age in place’).

The policy proposes to support housing that provides a range of services and facilities with different levels of care to provide another means of ageing in place. For example, a resident might start out in an independent living villa unit before moving into a low-care hostel when needed. Eventually the same person may move into a high-care nursing home, all on one site, reducing the upheaval that can result when moving house later in life. The design of such housing should, where appropriate, enable residents to integrate with people of all ages in the surrounding community.

Like ‘Strategic Sites’, this policy does not mean further development is guaranteed, but it does identify a clear housing need and possible response that is part of the housing choice equation. Proposals for housing for older people on existing or potential sites will be subject to the planning permit application process and must meet a series of policy principles and requirements. If a Planning Scheme Amendment is required to allow for such a proposal, favourable consideration is more likely if the same policy principles and requirements are met. The proposed principles and requirements are:

Housing for older people will be supported if it:

· Is well-located and appropriately designed to suit the needs of the aged, preferably within an Activity Area or Local Living area as these locations have access to public transport, shops, leisure facilities, medical services etc. If the site is not within an Activity Area or Local Living area, basic services and facilities should be provided on-site, and a regular transport service to local services and facilities should be provided.



· Complies with the built form and landscape policies and requirements that apply to the Dandenong Foothills and Bush Suburban areas (e.g. height limits, minimum subdivision sizes). Townhouses and apartments will not be not supported in these areas.

· Facilitates a range of levels of care on-site, or can be adapted over time to do so. This may include a mix of units, townhouses and apartments.

· Where appropriate, is open and integrated with the surrounding neighbourhood (this may not be appropriate for high-care buildings). For example, housing that faces the street/s and providing paths and public open spaces that link to the surrounding area. ‘Gated communities’ are discouraged.

· Provides some affordable housing options throughout the site.

· Is designed to minimise amenity impacts on neighbours. For example, apartments and townhouses should be located in the centre of the site or if on a main road, at the front of the site. Second storeys and above should be ‘stepped back’.

· Includes a variety of communal public and private open spaces. Public spaces should be designed to support a variety of events and activities, and facilitate informal social interaction. Public spaces should link with open space networks in surrounding areas. Consideration should be given to sharing public spaces with the broader community.

· Includes accessible paths on-site that link on-site facilities and services, and with networks in surrounding areas (particularly key destination points such as public transport stops, local shops etc.). Pedestrian paths should be designed to be non-slip, wide enough to allow different users to safely use the path at different speeds (e.g. cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users) and have dropped kerbs to road level. Seating and shading should be provided at regular intervals.

· Is easy to find and access. For example, sightlines from paths to buildings are clear, buildings are designated to be distinguished from one another, way finding signage to key destination points is provided, house numbers are easy to read.

· Provides adequate staff and visitor car parking in accessible locations. A reduction in car parking may be considered based on the location and its accessibility to public transport, range of housing and care levels to be provided on-site and provision of transport services to local services and facilities.

· Is designed to protect special views, e.g. to the Dandenong Ranges.

(Reference: ‘South Australia’s Communities for All: Our Age-friendly Future, Age-friendly Living Guidelines for Residential Development, Government of South Australia and SA Health, 2012)



2.8 Implementation of the draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013 and draft Residential Design Guidelines: Planning Scheme Amendment C131

To enable Council to assess future development proposals against the Strategy and Guidelines, they must be given statutory effect in the Knox Planning Scheme. A planning scheme amendment (‘Amendment C131’) is therefore required. Amendment C131 proposes to implement the Strategy, Guidelines and Rowville Plan (subject to Council’s adoption of this Plan).

The State Government recently introduced a new residential zoning regime, which is proposed to form a key part of Amendment C131. The three new zones are: Neighbourhood Residential Zone, General Residential Zone and Residential Growth Zone. Traditionally, there have been few tools available to councils to implement local housing strategies that can be customised to local areas. The new zones enable Council to ‘translate’ the Residential Design Guidelines into planning controls for each area by applying individual ‘schedules’ to each zone with a series of ResCode standards that can be varied to unique local provisions. In addition to the zones, local policies and changes to the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) are proposed.

In relation to housing, the suite of zones, policies and MSS changes proposed in Amendment C131 is shown in the following diagram (more detail is outlined in the discussion below and included at Appendix E – Rationale for proposed suite of planning controls).

How the proposed suite of planning controls will work together



2.8.1 Mandatory and discretionary controls

The proposed approach to implement the new Housing Strategy and Design Guidelines is through a combination of mandatory and discretionary planning policies and controls. This is considered to be the best approach to strike a balance between providing certainty about Council’s requirements for residential development for each area of Knox, and enough flexibility to support quality, innovative design suitable to the unique conditions of each site.

The proposed suite of planning policies and controls will work as a strong package, with a small ‘margin of discretion’. This means that in the majority of cases, development proposals will need to comply and of those that don’t, any variations will be small. It does not mean optional or ‘open slather’; rather with some discretionary content there is the ability to consider an application that doesn’t comply with a specified number, but which might still deliver the outcomes sought.

For example, in the Local Living area, where a 9 metre discretionary height limit is proposed, if an application was received for a 9.5m high building that was still 3 storeys, Council could consider approving it if the additional height had, for example outstanding architectural features. If a 4 storey application was lodged, given the height policy combined with the preferred dwelling types (dual occupancies, villa units and townhouses) and future character statement (‘village feel’), Council would have strong grounds to refuse the application.

This differs from Council’s current housing policies and controls, which are less clear and have a greater margin for discretion. The current approach has a greater reliance on policy statements, while the proposed approach includes more numerical requirements (ResCode variations) specific to each area. Most of these are not mandatory; however they provide greater strength than policy alone. Non-compliance with these standards requires clear justification and a better alternative solution. Non-compliance can form the basis for a refusal.

For the Dandenong Foothills and Bush Suburban areas, where future change should be minimal and the least amount of new development is desired, some mandatory controls are considered appropriate. This is discussed further below.



2.8.2 New residential zones (also see Appendix E – Rationale for proposed suite of planning controls)

All councils are required to amend their planning schemes by 30 June 2014 to replace the current residential zones with the new residential zones. Amendment C131 proposes to apply the new residential zones based on the areas identified in the draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013. These are:

Dandenong Foothills: Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ1)

This zone is suitable for the Foothills as it represents the lowest scale of intended growth of the three new residential zones. The purpose of this zone is to restrict housing growth and protect an identified neighbourhood character, in this case, the special landscape characteristics of the Foothills. As the Dandenong Foothills already has a series of existing mandatory controls relating to design elements such as subdivision and site coverage, Amendment C131 does not propose to alter these controls. A mandatory height control of 2 storeys/7.5 metres (with an additional metre allowing for slope) is proposed. Currently, this height control is discretionary. Land in the Low Density Residential Zone remains unchanged with the discretionary height limit (as the steep slope in land here requires some flexibility with regard to building height).

Bush Suburban: Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ2)

Similar to the Foothills, this zone is suitable for the proposed Bush Suburban areas given its purpose to restrict housing growth and protect areas with important environmental characteristics, in this case, sites of biological significance. A series of local ResCode variations based on the draft Design Guidelines are proposed, including, for example: mandatory minimum subdivision area of 500m2, maximum two dwellings on a lot, mandatory two storey/8 metre height limit, private open space per dwelling with a minimum area of 100m2, minimum of one canopy tree per 150m2 of site area (see Appendix E for the full list of all variations).

Knox Neighbourhood: General Residential Zone (GRZ2)

This zone is suitable for the proposed Knox Neighbourhood areas given its purpose to encourage development that respects and preserves neighbourhood character while allowing modest housing growth and diversity. A series of local ResCode variations based on the draft Guidelines are proposed, including, for example: private open space per dwelling with a minimum area of 100m2, minimum of one canopy tree per 175m2 of site area and a mandatory 2 storey/8 metre height limit for a dwelling (excluding architectural features with design merit)



Local Living: General Residential Zone (GRZ3)

This zone is suitable for the proposed Local Living areas, however a very different schedule to the GRZ is proposed with a series of ResCode variations based on the draft Design Guidelines. These include, for example: discretionary 3 storey/9 metre height limit, minimum of one canopy tree per 200m2 of site area, applications of 5+ dwellings to demonstrate how the development will be accessible to people with limited mobility, applications of 3+ dwellings to be accompanied by a Sustainable Design Assessment.

Activity Area land on and with direct access to SmartBus routes and Knox Transit Link: Residential Growth Zone (RGZ1)

This zone is suitable for these proposed Activity Areas given its purpose is to enable new housing growth and allow greater diversity in appropriate locations while providing certainty about the expected built form outcomes. Some local ResCode variations based on the draft Guidelines are proposed, including, for example: discretionary 3 storey/9 metre height limit, minimum street setback of 6 metres, minimum of one canopy tree per 250m2 of site area, applications of 5+ dwellings to demonstrate how the development will be accessible to people with limited mobility, applications of 3+ dwellings to be accompanied by a Sustainable Design Assessment.

Bayswater and Boronia Activity Areas: General Residential Zone (GRZ4) and Residential Growth Zone (RGZ2)

Two zones are considered suitable to apply to these centres based on locally specific planning policies and controls that already apply (based on their respective approved Structure Plans). As with the Dandenong Foothills, the existing controls will continue to apply (including, for example, the 7.5m height control in parts of Boronia). Importantly, the proposed zones do not contradict these exist controls. The GRZ4 is proposed for areas on the edges of each centre where a lower scale of development is supported. The RGZ2 is proposed for areas in the core of each centre where a higher scale of development is supported. The mixed use and commercial zones will remain unchanged.

Knox Central Activity Area: General Residential Zone (GRZ2) Residential Growth Zone (RGZ1)

Like Bayswater and Boronia, two zones are considered suitable to apply to the small amount of residential land in Knox Central. The GRZ2 is proposed for two small existing residential areas on the edges of the area, while the large sites on Burwood Highway and Stud Road are proposed for RGZ1.

Specific sites: General Residential Zone (GRZ5) and Residential Growth Zone (RGZ3)



The GRZ5 is proposed for large sites that already have strategic guidance (such as Harcrest and Stamford Park). Existing controls will continue to apply. The RGZ3 is proposed for Knox Private Hospital to enable a higher scale development. For consistency with other areas of Knox, some additional requirements are proposed: applications of 5+ dwellings to demonstrate how the development will be accessible to people with limited mobility and applications of 3+ dwellings to be accompanied by a Sustainable Design Assessment.

2.8.3 New local policies and updates to the Municipal Strategic Statement

Two new local policies are proposed:

· Residential Development and Neighbourhood Character (Clause 22.07)

This policy provides decision making guidance for Council and VCAT on the overall scaled approach of the Strategy and Design Guidelines. It includes the elements of the Guidelines which cannot be included in the schedules to the zones. For example, it includes the preferred housing types for each change area. In addition, the policy replaces and combines relevant content from the current Neighbourhood Character (Clause 22.07) and Housing (Clause 22.10) local policies.

· Residential Land Use within the Commercial 1 Zone (Clause 22.12)

This policy is a new addition to the Knox Planning Scheme, necessitated by the recent commercial zone reforms of the State Government. New zones (the Commercial 1 and Commercial 2 Zones) have automatically replaced existing Business Zones. One of the purposes of the Commercial 1 Zone is: To provide for residential uses at densities complementary to the role and scale of the commercial centre. The role and scale of commercial centres is not currently articulated in the Knox Planning Scheme. This policy aims to fill this gap by describing the role and scale of all commercial centres, providing guidance for decision-making for residential applications in the Commercial 1 Zone.

2.8.4 Mountain Gate Activity Centre

The draft Strategy seeks change the designation of the Mountain Gate Activity Area from a Major Activity Centre to a Neighbourhood Activity Centre. The Centre is proposed to have a small area of Activity Area (the commercial core only) and Local Living (the surrounding residential area). It is considered that Mountain Gate is more appropriately designated a Neighbourhood Activity Centre to reflect the fact that it is not considered to be well-serviced by public transport and will only provide for residential development at a scale reflective of a Neighbourhood Centre.



2.8.5 Other planning scheme changes

Several clauses in the planning scheme require minor changes to update wording in the Municipal Strategic Statement to reflect the draft Strategy, reflect new zone names, insert updated Municipal Strategic Statement maps etc. These are also included at Appendix C.

The new zones will generally apply to areas currently zoned Residential 1 or Residential 3. Residential areas zoned Low Density Residential Zone will remain in this zone.

2.8.6 Peer review

A peer review of the key components of Amendment C131 by Maddocks Lawyers was completed in October to ensure that the planning policies and controls clearly and effectively implement the draft Strategy and Guidelines. A key focus of the review was to address potential areas of ambiguity, to provide as much decision-making clarity for both Council and VCAT. Several changes were recommended and have been made to the documents.

Advice was also sought on two specific issues:

· Defining building height in both storeys and metres:

Maximum (mandatory and preferred) building heights are required to be defined in metres to avoid ambiguity and from a policy perspective, ensure that the overall height is appropriate to the surrounding character of the local area regardless of how many floors are within the building. The planning controls were originally drafted to express maximum building height in storeys as well as metres to reinforce Council’s preferred housing types policy for each area. Maddocks recommended that the reference to storeys be removed to comply with standard practice and advice from planning panels. The controls have been revised accordingly; however the draft Residential Design Guidelines still contain reference to both storeys and metres to make Council’s overall policy position clear.

· Stamford Park zone:

Advice was sought on the appropriate zone for Stamford Park. Maddocks advised that either the Residential Growth Zone or General Residential Zone (GRZ) would work. The GRZ is therefore proposed as it better reflects the approved Stamford Park Masterplan.



2.9 Implementation of the draft Rowville Plan: Amendment C131

If Council adopts the draft Rowville Plan (reported under separate cover), Amendment C131 also proposes to implement this plan. The Rowville Plan will inform the application of the new residential zones within the Rowville Plan Study Area. The suite of proposed changes to the Knox Planning Scheme to implement the Rowville Plan are:

· A new Local Planning Policy: Rowville Activity Centre Local Policy (Clause 22.13):

This policy proposes to apply to land within a much smaller Activity Centre boundary to achieve some of the objectives of the draft Plan. The policy provides guidance on the type of use and development that is expected and appropriate in this area.

· A new Development Plan Overlay – Schedule 12 (DPO12) applying to Commercial areas:

DPO12 proposes to replace the existing schedule to the Development Plan Overlay (which currently applies to the Stud Park Shopping Centre and restaurants/shops adjoining Stud Road – south of Fulham Road). DPO12 will apply to all Commercial 1 Zone land in the Activity Centre, including the shops on the northern side of Fulham Road, to ensure an integrated approach to the delivery of built form outcomes. DPO12 includes a number of general requirements (such as landscaping, access with and between sites, provision of car parks etc) and specific requirements such as: a Section 173 agreement to ensure delivery of a new public transport interchange (as a condition of a development plan for the Stud Park Shopping Centre); and for Fulham Road to be developed as a ‘Main Street’.

· Rezone 1060 Stud Road from Commercial 2 to Residential Growth Zone

Amendment C131 proposes to rezone 1060 Stud Road from Commercial 2 Zone (C2Z) to Residential Growth Zone Schedule 3 (RGZ3) to enable residential development, consistent with the draft Rowville Plan. The current C2Z is no longer considered appropriate for this site; the permissible uses within this new zone are not consistent with the adjoining zoning (primarily residential). There are limited sites within the Rowville that can contribute to housing diversity and it is considered that this site can provide an important contribution. This site has direct access to the SmartBus route and adjoining Stamford Park, providing transport options and amenity for future residents.



· Design and Development Overlay – Schedule 9 (DDO9) applying to residential opportunity Sites

DDO9 proposes to apply to four residentially zoned ‘opportunity sites’. DDO9 applies a 13.5 metre height limit and additional design guidance and decision guidelines for future development of these sites. These four sites are: 1060 Stud Road (former Pool & Spa Display Centre); 1070 Stud Road (Australia for Christ Fellowship (ACF) Church); 15 Fulham Road (Peppertree Hill Retirement Village); and 1103 Stud Road (Veterinary Clinic). The Residential Growth Zone – Schedule 3 (RGZ3) will be applied to all four residential Opportunity Sites.

· Application of the new residential zones

The Residential Growth Zone – Schedule 1 (RGZ1) is proposed to be applied to areas described as ‘Higher Change Residential Areas’ (Activity Areas) with the draft Rowville Plan. The purpose of the zone is to enable new housing growth and allows greater diversity in appropriate locations while providing certainty about the expected built form outcomes. The application of this zone to these areas is consistent with the purpose of the zone as it supports development that provides for increased growth and density, providing for higher density developments and increased housing activity in areas along the SmartBus routes and that adjoin the commercial core. These areas are within the Activity Centre and the Rowville Activity Centre Local Policy (Clause 22.13) will apply.

The General Residential Zone – Schedule 3 (GRZ3) is proposed to be applied to areas described as ‘Lower Change Residential Areas’ (Local Living areas) with the draft Rowville Plan. The purpose of the zone is to encourage development that respects and preserves neighbourhood character while allowing modest housing growth and diversity. The application of this zone to these areas is consistent with the purpose of the zone as it supports development that provides a diversity of housing types and moderate housing growth in locations offering good access to services and transport, while respecting neighbourhood character. These areas are within the Activity Centre and the Rowville Activity Centre Local Policy (Clause 22.13) will apply.

The General Residential Zone - Schedule 2 (GRZ2) is proposed to be applied to areas described as ‘Lowest Change Residential Areas’ with the draft Rowville Plan. These areas are outside of the revised Activity Centre and form part of the broader ‘Knox Neighbourhood’ areas across Knox.

The Residential Growth Zone – Schedule 1 (RGZ1) is proposed to be applied to properties with direct access to the SmartBus network along Stud Road. These areas are outside of the revised Activity Centre and form part of the broader ‘Activity Areas’.



· Other planning scheme changes:

Clause 21.07 (Economic Development) will be updated to refer to the Rowville Plan and the new local planning policy.

3. CONSULTATION

The draft Community Engagement Plan is shown at Appendix D.

Knox@50 was the major community engagement activity for the Housing Strategy. This project has given Council great insight into what is important to people in Knox, as well as drawing out the complexities of meeting competing needs in the community. The project informed the objectives and strategies of the City Plan 2013-17 and in turn, the draft Housing Strategy. For this reason, the next phase of community engagement will not focus on the overarching vision for housing, but rather the detailed approach to achieving the vision, i.e. providing greater certainty to all with the ‘scaled approach’, what type of housing can be built where, high quality design etc.

The public exhibition period is proposed for an eight week period during February-March 2014. During this time, community members will have the opportunity to make formal submissions to Amendment C131. As per the statutory requirements of the Planning Scheme Amendment process, submissions will be reported to Council following exhibition and may be referred to an independent Planning Panel for consideration.

An extension of time to enable public exhibition to commence in February (and avoid the Christmas/New Year period) is required to be requested from the Minister for Planning.

If Council adopts the draft Rowville Plan, consultation of the Plan will occur alongside the exhibition of the draft Housing Strategy and proposed Amendment C131. Additional notification will occur within the Rowville Plan Study Area, highlighting the process to provide comment on both the Rowville Plan and the proposed changes to the Knox Planning Scheme.

As outlined above, the draft Strategy, Design Guidelines and content of Amendment C131 has been extensively and independently workshopped and reviewed. The draft Strategy and Design Guidelines were also developed collaboratively with the Housing Advisory Committee and all Councillors through a series of workshops during 2013.




The draft Strategy, Design Guidelines and Amendment C131 are expected to have beneficial environmental impacts by reducing development intensity in Bush Suburban and Knox Neighbourhood areas, allowing more space for the retention and planting of canopy trees, and directing more development to areas well-serviced by public transport and other infrastructure in Local Living and Activity Areas.

They are also expected to have beneficial amenity impacts by ‘raising the bar’ on the design quality by applying specific design guidelines to new residential development.


The preparation of the draft and final Strategy, Design Guidelines and Amendment C131 is funded in the 2013-14 Council budget ($100,000).

The draft Strategy seeks to limit development in Bush Suburban and Knox Neighbourhood areas, which accounts for 95% of residential land in Knox. The majority of landowners in both areas will not be able to develop their land for additional dwellings (approximately 78% in Bush Suburban and 70% in Knox Neighbourhood being limited to one dwelling only, whether existing or replacement). This will likely have financial consequences for many landowners whose land will have diminished development potential. More broadly, this may have implications for the local building industry, many of whom are Knox residents. The alternative view is that the proposed Strategy will seek to preserve the existing nature of the majority of residential development in the suburban context with high amenity, large backyards in a landscaped setting. There is still a very strong market for this housing type in Knox.

The draft Strategy may also impact on the revenue that Council currently collects via the public open space contribution required at subdivision stage (for subdivisions of 3+ dwellings). Given that the implementation of the Strategy will result in less development in the majority of residential areas (Bush Suburban and Knox Neighbourhood), the amount of public open space contributions that Council currently collects is likely to be reduced, at least in the short term. In the longer term, as development within the Local Living and Activity Areas increases, the open space contributions could be expected to increase again.




The draft Strategy, Design Guidelines and Amendment C131 respond directly to residents’ valued aspects of Knox that contribute to its sense of place and belonging told to Council via the Knox@50 Community Engagement Program in 2012.

The draft Strategy supports the provision of a diversity of housing in well-serviced locations to better accommodate the housing needs of Knox residents at all stages of life.

The draft Strategy is the lead document for Council’s response to affordable housing as currently articulated in the Affordable Housing Action Plan.




The draft Strategy is consistent with and will implement the City Plan 2013-17, as outlined below:

City Plan 2013-2017 objectives

How this is proposed be achieved in the Knox Housing Strategy 2013

A diversity of housing choice is provided in appropriate locations

§ Apply a scaled approach to housing development in Knox

§ Support a greater diversity of housing types in terms of size, type, affordability and accessibility

§ Seek to address the shortfall in Knox of smaller dwellings including one and two bedrooms dwellings

§ Encourage housing development in locations which are well located, close to transport options, shops and services

Residential development better responds to the community’s current and future needs, and allows people to ‘age-in-place’.

§ Encourage the development of smaller, well designed and accessible dwellings in locations which are well located, close to transport options, shops and services

§ Support the development of aged care facilities which provide for a range of care levels on site

Energy, water and waste efficient design is increased in residential, business and industry sectors and community facilities.

§ Encourage sustainable design features including water sensitive urban design in all developments

§ Require Sustainable Design assessments for all developments of three or more dwellings


C131 (Housing and Rowville Plan) (cont’d) Table cont’d

City Plan 2013-2017 How this is proposed to be achieved in the Knox Housing Strategy 2013

Quality housing design in Knox is improved to better respond to neighbourhood identity and create a stronger sense of place.

§ Encourage better architectural design through the Residential Design Guidelines

§ Minimise the loss of trees and backyard space in Bush Suburban and Knox Neighbourhood areas

Protect and enhance the landscape and environmental values of natural areas of significance within the municipality.

§ Direct development away from Bush Suburban areas (Sites of Biological Significance).

§ Continue to value and protect the Dandenong Foothills and maintain its very low scale of change

§ Encourage the planting of native and indigenous vegetation

Development recognises the significance of the natural environment, respects the character of place and responds to neighbourhoods in an integrated and balanced manner.

§ Continue to develop integrated place-based plans

8. CONCLUSION

The draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013, draft Residential Design Guidelines and proposed Amendment C131 to the Knox Planning Scheme is Council’s proposed package for managing future residential development in Knox.

The draft package aims to respond to the current and future housing needs of the Knox community while protecting and enhancing the green and leafy character that is valued by so many Knox residents. It proposes a ‘scaled approach’ that directs the majority of new housing to locate in small areas with good access to shops, services, infrastructure and employment (Activity Areas and Local Living areas) and away from the majority of areas which have a special local character and significant environmental values (Knox Neighbourhood and Bush Suburban (including the Dandenong Foothills).



The draft package refines and strengthens Council’s current approach to future housing. It is more locally specific and less ‘one size fits all’. It maps distinct areas with hard boundaries for the first time, providing greater certainty for all.

Draft Residential Design Guidelines, which will be applied to new applications, aim to improve the quality, design, sustainability and accessibility of residential development.

Amendment C131 seeks to implement the draft Strategy and Design Guidelines by giving these documents statutory effect in the Knox Planning Scheme. Amendment C131 also proposes to implement the draft Rowville Plan, subject to Council’s adoption of this Plan.

If Council endorses the draft housing package and Amendment C131, authorisation will be sought from the Minister for Planning to publicly exhibit the Amendment, currently planned for February-March 2014.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY


COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. ORPEN SECONDED: CR. MORTIMORE

That Council 1. Endorse the following documents for the purpose of public

exhibition in accordance with the Communications and Engagement Plan (Appendix D) on the following grounds:

1.1 Appendix A – Draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013.

1.2 Appendix B - Draft Knox Residential Design Guidelines. 1.3 Appendix C – Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment

C131 documentation (noting that this Amendment includes implementation of the draft Rowville Plan), with the following changes to Schedule 12 of the Development Plan Overlay by inserting the following text under Section 3.0 (Requirements for a development plan):


C131 (Housing and Rowville Plan) (cont’d) Council Resolution (cont'd)

Prior to the approval of a Development Plan for the Stud Park Shopping Centre land, an agreement between the owner of the land and the Responsible Authority under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 must be entered into to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority which in addition to the usual machinery provisions must require that the owner provide for: o The provision of a public library with an

additional 200m2 of floor space, whether relocated or extended in its current location. The location of the expanded library, including any agreed interim facility

o The timing of the provision of the expanded library, and any agreed interim facility

o Details of the nature of the expanded library to be secured through this Agreement

1.4 Appendix C – Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C131 documentation (noting that this Amendment includes implementation of the draft Rowville Plan), with the following sections removed:

· On Contents page – remove reference to Section 22.11 Ferntree Gully Village.

· Clause 21.07-2 Objective 6 – Ninth Dot Point: Implement the Ferntree Gully Structure Plan (September 2013) to consolidate the retail, commercial and community uses, promote shop-top and medium density housing, and protect the key views and the open, rural character of the Dandenong Foothills.

2. Endorse the Communications and Engagement Plan (Appendix D).

3. Seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit Planning Scheme Amendment C131

4. Request an extension of time from the Minister for Planning from Ministerial Direction Number 15 to allow for the Christmas/New Year period.



5. Write to the Minister for Planning seeking confirmation that there will not be a direct translation of the new residential zones on 30 June 2014, given that Council will be well advanced in the application of its new zones

6. Subject to receiving authorisation from the Minister for Planning, place Amendment C131 on public exhibition for a period of two months

7. Authorise the Director - City Development to make:

7.1 Design and style changes to the draft Strategy and Guidelines, where the changes do not alter the content; and

7.2 Minor changes to Amendment C131, where the changes do not affect the purpose or intent of the Amendment, after the exhibition period.

8. Note that the draft Knox Housing Strategy 2013 and proposed Amendment C131:

8.1 Designate the Mountain Gate Activity Centre from a Major Activity Centre to a Neighbourhood Activity Centre;

8.2 Designate the Waverley Golf Course and adjoining land as a ‘Strategic Site’ and advocate for and facilitate changes to the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to include the land within the UGB to enable further investigation and consideration for future residential development; and

8.3 Rezone 1060 Stud Road, Rowville from a Commercial 2 Zone to a Residential Growth Zone 3 (RGZ3).

PROCEDURAL MOTION

MOVED: CR. LOCKWOOD SECONDED: CR. COSSARI

That Councillor Cooper be permitted an extension of time to speak under Clause 47 of the Meeting Procedure and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2008. CARRIED



PROCEDURAL MOTION

MOVED: CR. MORTIMORE SECONDED: CR. LOCKWOOD

That Councillor Seymour be permitted an extension of time to speak under Clause 47 of the Meeting Procedure and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2008. CARRIED

PROCEDURAL MOTION

MOVED: CR. MORTIMORE SECONDED: CR. COSSARI

That Councillor Lockwood be permitted an extension of time to speak under Clause 47 of the Meeting Procedure and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2008. CARRIED THE MOTION WAS CARRIED


C131 (Housing and Rowville Plan) (cont’d) The following appendices are distributed under separate cover: APPENDIX A – DRAFT KNOX HOUSING STRATEGY 2013 APPENDIX B – DRAFT KNOX RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES APPENDIX C – PROPOSED PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT C131 DOCUMENTATION APPENDIX D - COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX E – RATIONALE FOR PROPOSED SUITE OF PLANNING CONTROLS

127 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 COUNCILLOR MORTIMORE VACATED THE CHAMBER AT 8.49PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 6.6 COUNCILLOR MORTIMORE RETURNED TO THE CHAMBER AT 8.52PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 6.6

ALL WARDS

6.6 KNOX CITY COUNCIL SUBMISSION TO STATE GOVERNMENT’S DRAFT METROPOLITAN PLANNING STRATEGY

SUMMARY: Senior Strategic Planner (Monique Reinehr)

On 9 October 2013 the State Government released its draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy ‘Plan Melbourne: Metropolitan Planning Strategy’ (the Draft Strategy). The State Government is seeking feedback until 6 December 2013. Council officers have prepared a draft submission in response to the Draft Strategy for Council’s consideration. This report provides an overview of the Draft Strategy and Knox’s submission. The submission addresses both broad and Knox specific strategic planning issues.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorse the submission to the draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy ‘Plan Melbourne: Metropolitan Planning Strategy’ as shown at Appendix A and forward the submission to the State Government by 6 December 2013.

1. INTRODUCTION

On 9 October 2013 the State Government released ‘Plan Melbourne: Metropolitan Planning Strategy’ the metropolitan planning strategy for the next 40 years. The Strategy will guide Melbourne’s development and growth and covers matters related to infrastructure, housing, employment, transport and environment in the one plan.

This report provides: a summary of the purpose of a Metropolitan Planning Strategy; an overview of the Draft Strategy; and Knox’s proposed response to the Draft Strategy.

The Draft Strategy and Knox’s response was discussed at the 29 October 2013 Council Issues Briefing session. In response to this session, the submission includes matters sought by Councillors. The submission is included as Appendix A.

2. DISCUSSION

2.1 The purpose of a Metropolitan Planning Strategy

A Metropolitan Planning Strategy is a strategic plan for the future of Melbourne to guide and help manage the change that the city is facing. In accordance with this, the new Strategy outlines how growth and development of metropolitan Melbourne will be guided and managed over the next 40 years.

128 COUNCIL - CITY DEVELOPMENT 26 November 2013 6.6 Draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy (cont’d)

As detailed during the Discussion Paper stage of the Metro Strategy’s development, the stated aims of the Strategy are:

· “To build on Melbourne’s strengths and character;

· To guide decisions about development, infrastructure and investment;

· To ensure communities, businesses and Councils in Melbourne and regional Victoria can make informed decisions about their future; and

· To provide tools and systems to make it easier to make responsible planning decisions.”

The scope of the Strategy is intended to focus on the economic, social, environmental and built form character of Melbourne.

By 2050 it is estimated that Melbourne will have a population of more than 6.5 million people. To cater for this, the Strategy seeks to set a vision that “responds to the pressures of population growth, driving economic prosperity and liveability while protecting our environment and heritage.”

The new Strategy will replace Melbourne 2030 – Planning for Sustainable Growth (2002) and forms Melbourne’s Transport Plan.

2.2 Overview of the draft Strategy

2.2.1 Strategy Vision

The vision for Melbourne is:

Melbourne will be a global city of opportunity and choice. This will be achieved by:

· Protecting the suburbs;

· Developing in defined areas near services and infrastructure;

· Creating clearer and simpler planning system with improved decision making;

· Rebalancing growth between Melbourne and Regional Victoria; and

· Identifying an investment and infrastructure pipeline.

2.2.2 Strategy Objectives & Outcomes

This vision for Melbourne is underpinned by the following seven objectives and outcomes:

1. Delivering jobs and investment: Create a city structure that drives productivity, supports investment through certainty and creates more jobs.


2. Housing choice and affordability: Provide a diversity of housing in defined locations that caters for different households and is close to jobs and services.

3. A more connected Melbourne: Provide an integrated transport system connecting people to jobs and services and goods to market.

4. Liveable communities and neighbourhoods: Create healthy and active neighbourhoods and maintain Melbourne’s identity as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

5. Environment and energy: Protect our natural assets and better plan our water, energy and waste management to create a sustainable city.

6. A State of cities: Maximise the growth potential of Victoria by developing a state of cities which delivers choice, opportunity and global competitiveness.

7. Implementation: Delivering better governance: Achieve clear results through better governance, planning, regulation and funding options.

2.2.3 Strategy Key Concepts

Key concepts for planning Melbourne’s future included in the draft Strategy are:

· Delivering a new Integrated Economic Triangle:

The Strategy identifies an Integrated Economic Triangle aimed at delivering jobs and investment. This triangle connects the Hastings-Dandenong corridor with the Hume and Wyndham-Geelong corridors. The triangle will encompass an expanded central city, the port of Hastings, the East West Link and the North East Link, the Melbourne Metro project and the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road. (Knox is not located within the Integrated Economic Triangle). (Refer Maps 1 & 2 on pages 10-11 of the Draft Strategy).

· Protecting the suburbs by delivering density in defined locations:

Five metropolitan sub regions will be created with the aim of supporting a better balance between jobs and population growth across the city and encouraging collaboration with and between local governments. Sub regional housing strategies will identify opportunities for density in defined locations, while an expanded capital city zone and a series of new urban renewal precincts will cater for a large proportion of Melbourne’s future housing needs, along with growth in regional cities. A permanent urban growth boundary is proposed. (Refer to section on housing choice and affordability at page 52 of the Draft Strategy).

Knox is proposed to be part of the Eastern Sub Region which includes Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges. Current population at 2012 is 1.04 million with expected population growth to the year 2050 for the East being another 250,000 - 350,000.


· A State of cities

Greater investment is regional Victoria is proposed, as is better integration with Melbourne. This plan states that regional Victoria will need to tackle a greater share of population growth. It is anticipated that regional Victoria will have more jobs opportunities and will therefore mitigate some of the population pressures on Melbourne. Regional Growth plans are being prepared to guide how this can occur over the next 20-30 years. (Refer page 134 of the Draft Strategy and map 27, page 136).

· Delivering a pipeline of investment opportunities

To support the Plan’s delivery, the Strategy proposes to establish a pipeline of defined new investment opportunities (new urban renewal sites) for the private sector in and around Melbourne’s existing and planned transport network, thereby seeking to maximise the states return on infrastructure investment.

· Better use of existing assets

A focus will be on urban renewal in strategic areas to accommodate more people and create opportunities for new investment in businesses and services. These sites are located and will be located around existing and planned rail and transport networks.

· A city of 20-minute neighbourhoods

This concept is to give residents access to local shops, schools, parks, jobs and a range of community services with 20-minutes of their homes across Melbourne’s suburbs. The 20-minute neighbourhood is about ‘living locally’. This is to be achieved through supporting local governments to plan and manage their neighbourhoods, providing access to local jobs, transport, making them pedestrian friendly and accommodating housing near to public transport. (Refer page 98 of the Draft Strategy).

· Housing choice and affordability

The plan seeks to encourage greater levels of investment in affordable housing, including encouraging integration of affordable and social housing options. It is to be achieved by providing a diversity of housing in defined locations close to jobs and services and by increasing supply of housing in growth areas, including those in the inner city (i.e. Fishermans Bend). (Refer page 57 of the Draft Strategy).


· Transitioning to a more sustainable city

This is to be achieved by delivering density in defined locations, greening metropolitan areas, improving energy and water supply, protecting and restoring natural habitats, making better use of existing transport infrastructure and encouraging active forms of transport (walking and cycling).

· Good governance and strong partnerships

A new Metropolitan Planning Authority is to be established to drive delivery of the Strategy, while sub regional groups of Councils will be established to assist with planning of areas by regions. Infrastructure delivery and growth will be aligned for urban renewal precincts and growth areas. New funding sources will be investigated for private sector partnerships. (Refer page 148 of the Draft Strategy).

2.2.4 Delivery approach: timeframes & initiatives

For each of the objectives and outcomes (and subsequent directions) listed above, a number of initiatives and specific actions are outlined. These initiatives and specific actions are to be delivered within the following indicative time frames.

Short term: Now - to four years. Medium term: 2017 – 2025. Long term: 2025 – 2050.

There are 319 actions listed within the Strategy: 252 in the short term, 56 in the medium term and 11 in the long term.

To support delivery of the Strategy, several new initiatives are proposed. These include:

· A new Metropolitan Planning Authority

To be operational around the same time as the release of the Strategy. It will have powers to plan state-significant and urban renewal sites and precincts; will assist in coordinating whole-of-government integrated land use; streamline planning; and, oversee the Strategy’s delivery.

· New Metropolitan Sub regions

As detailed earlier Knox will be part of the Eastern Sub Region. Within the sub regions the State Government will work with local governments and regional stakeholders to undertake detailed implementation planning and project coordination.


· A new spatial form and definition

New terms and definitions are utilised, i.e. National Employment Clusters and a single definition of Activity Centres, (Principal Activity Centres are no longer identified and now are equivalent to Major Activity Centres - for example Knox Central is now considered at the same level as Bayswater and Boronia). Definition of terms are included in the Draft Strategy’s Glossary refer page 171.

· Legislative and regulatory reform

A draft revised State Planning Policy Framework that reflects the Strategy’s objectives and directions will be exhibited for consultation when the Strategy is finalised (stakeholders such as MAV have already been consulted).

The Strategy also identifies other legislative and regulatory reform actions.

· Regional Growth Plans

Eight Regional Growth Plans are being developed at the moment to guide growth for the Regional Centres across Victoria.

· Integrated Planning for Victoria

The intention of the Strategy is to integrate land use and transport priorities and that this, with the government’s economic and fiscal strategy and the freight plan will provide a long term framework for Victoria.

· Localised Planning Statements

Localised Planning Statements are to be developed in partnership with local government to identify and protect local attributes through the planning system.

2.3 Key Strengths of the Draft Strategy

Below is a summary of what are seen as key strengths of the Draft Strategy (these are included within Knox’s submission):

· It is clear that Plan Melbourne is to be both a land-use planning and transport plan for Melbourne.

· The draft Strategy is clear on the big concepts and projects earmarked for Melbourne.


· The concept of the Integrated Economic Triangle focussing on integrated transport improvements and job provision is supported.

· The draft Strategy seeks to integrate health and wellbeing, including linking Local Governments’ Community Health and Wellbeing Plans to Municipal Strategic Statements. This has not been done before and is considered a positive initiative.

· Seeking to give protection to valued residential areas across Melbourne, while encouraging population growth near jobs and transport nodes reflect the local community’s aspirations.

· The draft Strategy indicates how Knox might effectively link and integrate our local economy into activities planned for Monash/Clayton, Dandenong South and in the longer term the Port of Hastings and a third airport in Melbourne’s south-east.

· The approach to increase housing choice and affordability to provide affordable housing options close to central city and other major employment areas is supported.

· The draft Strategy generally supports housing policy work local governments are currently undertaking, including the new draft Knox Housing Strategy.

· Establishing a body to oversee the implementation of the Strategy and to coordinate the various government agencies/funding opportunities etc should better assist in delivering some of the Strategy’s particular initiatives.

· The concept of metropolitan sub regions is supported, and the Eastern Sub Region is a generally logical group. For regional groups to be effective and sustainable over the life of the Strategy good governance arrangements for these will be critical, including ongoing resourcing. Further, many initiatives of the draft Strategy will be best managed across subregions.

· The draft Strategy gives consideration to food security and food production.

· The draft Strategy identifies the Rowville Rail (be it a long term project).

· The draft Strategy supports Knox’s approach to delivering Bush Boulevards along major road corridors. A long-term metropolitan boulevard strategy and implementation plan would be welcomed.


2.4 Key opportunities missing from the draft Strategy (Metropolitan-wide opportunities)

Below are the key high level (metropolitan-wide) opportunities presented for inclusion within the final Strategy. These are included within Council’s draft submission. (Note, Knox specific opportunities are listed in Section 2.5).

· The pressures facing Melbourne - congestion, affordability, accessibility, a changing climate and rural encroachment are well outlined in the Strategy. It is however silent on such matters as the effects of increased hard surfaces associated with a more populated city, and the impacts of stormwater run-off.

· The valued geographical elements of Melbourne such as its bay and mountains are largely ignored with regard to the contribution they make to Melbourne’s image, health and wellbeing, biodiversity and recreation, etc. These elements should be given prominence in the Strategy as they have a large part in defining Melbourne.

· The implementation component of the draft Strategy proposes to establish a monitoring framework that will include an annual statement of progress in implementing the Strategy’s initiatives. However it is unclear whether there will be an ongoing requirement for initiatives and actions to be regularly updated, with new actions added progressively over the years as existing actions are completed. It would appear presently that many actions included within the draft Strategy are existing projects already underway. Continually updating actions will better support longevity of the plan.

· The draft Strategy is heavily weighted with short term actions and minimal medium and long term actions. While this might imply significant investment and focus by the state government for the next four years which is applauded, the lack of medium and long term actions provides limited direction on what longer term projects are scheduled.

· Many of the initiatives and actions refer to supporting local governments and other stakeholders to undertake various projects and actions. At this stage it is unclear whether this support (financial and other) to local government will be sufficient to realistically enable it to effectively assist in delivery parts of the Strategy.

· The Vision for Melbourne as ‘a global city of opportunity and choice’ would seem appropriate, but the draft Strategy does not define or outline what this means or what Melbourne might look and feel like in 2050. The final Strategy needs to be much clearer on the Vision, including how Melbourne might operate and look in 2050, including the contribution the existing established residential and employment areas currently make and will continue to make.


· The draft Strategy does not clearly outline what is Melbourne’s intended national and international role/purpose for the next 40 years, including what will be its relationship with other Australian capital cities. Direction 1.4 which seeks Central City to become Australia’s largest commercial and residential centre by 2040 hints that it is about Melbourne surpassing Sydney. Will this have unintended consequences for Melbourne’s liveability and consume resources that could be better applied to other areas of Melbourne (or Victoria?).

· Inclusionary zoning should be investigated as one means for increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.

· The draft Strategy talks about integrated transport but then compartmentalises the different modes which makes it difficult to see the integration. It would be beneficial if the final Strategy makes the connections/ linkages clearer.

· The final Strategy could better address the needs of different types of commuters, in particular mobility impaired and the ageing population, two groups that are becoming more reliant of public transport options to improve social interaction and community participation.

· More focus is needed on how the Strategy will address the car culture that is evident in much of Melbourne, particularly in outer-urban areas.

· The three major National Employment Clusters are supported, however the strategy could benefit from further attention as to how these connect to and interact with, and support the many other employment precincts across Melbourne.

· The influence of digital technology (i.e. National Broadband Network) on how Melbourne functions can be transformational. The draft Strategy is quiet on this, and should not only address digital technology but seek to use it to improve Melbourne’s capacity, prosperity and liveability.

· The draft Strategy addressed biodiversity in peri-urban areas, but missed the significant biodiversity existing in the urban areas of municipalities like Knox. Biodiversity in urban areas should be recognised, particularly given its multiple positive attributes.

· The draft Strategy does not give adequate guidance or protection to green wedge land.

· The Strategy should address risk planning for natural hazards beyond growth and peri-urban areas.

· It would appear that existing outer urban areas have inadvertently fallen through a gap within the draft Strategy, possibly due to many outer suburbs also being Growth Areas. More focus needs to be given to the contribution of existing urban areas that are not growth areas but rather provide opportunities to live and work locally.


· Commencing the reservation of land for future rail extensions and stations in the urban growth areas and outer suburbs (Rowville rail) should be a short term rather than a medium term action under Initiative 3.3.2 ‘Improve Outer-suburban rail and bus networks.’

· The Strategy does not address funding required by local government to facilitate actions outlined in it.

2.5 Key opportunities missing from the Draft Strategy and recommended for the final strategy – Specific to Knox

Below are key opportunities specific to the City of Knox sought for inclusion within the final Strategy. These are included within Knox’s submission.

· It is recommended that all references to Mountain Gate being an Activity Centre be removed, as this centre with its lack of public transport sits more comfortably as a Neighbourhood Centre.

· For some time Council has supported the inclusion of Waverley Golf and surrounding land being located within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). In making permanent the UGB, consideration of this area prior to finalisation of the permanent boundary is sought.

· Consider the emerging Wantirna Health Precinct as a designated Health Precinct and/or potential future Urban Renewal Precinct. This area is serviced by a SmartBus route and includes substantial government land holdings.

· The role of the Scoresby-Rowville Employment Precinct, and the Bayswater Industrial and Activity Centre Precinct (which includes land within the municipalities of Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges) is important for local and regional employment and investment and will contribute to 20-minute living. To provide ongoing support to this area it is sought that greater attention be given to it in the final Strategy than the Map 12 reference of it being an ‘Investment and Employment Opportunity.’

· The Rowville Rail and Tram to Upper Ferntree Gully are important public transport upgrades advocated by Council.

§ Within the draft Strategy the Rowville Rail is identified as a long term project with land reservation ‘medium term’ and planning ‘short term’. The Rowville Rail is a high priority for Knox. It is considered necessary that both the planning and reservation of land for the Rowville Rail be short term actions within the final Strategy.


§ The Tram to Upper Ferntree Gully is another key public transport initiative Council would like addressed within the final Strategy. At present the route 75 tram terminates at a Neighbourhood Centre in Vermont South. To best achieve integration of public transport and support the outer east (which is severely lacking in public transport options), is recommended that the tram line for route 75 be extended all the way to Upper Ferntree Gully train station. This will connect various activity/employment centres (Knox Central, Mountain Gate, Tally Ho), education (Deakin and Swinburne) and health facilities (William Angliss Hospital) along the way and best captures patrons from the east and west.

§ To support the Route 75 Upper Ferntree Gully Tram extension, it is recommended that it be listed for planning and reservation of land as short term actions under Initiative 3.1.3 ‘Improve tram travel times, capacity and reliability and extend the tram network into key urban renewal precincts’.

· Identify the importance of protecting views towards Dandenong Foothills/Ranges.

· Linking the Dandenong Foothills along Knox’s existing identified bush boulevards towards the city should be considered within Melbourne’s network of boulevards referred to under Initiative 4.6.2 Develop Melbourne’s network of boulevard.

· Identify the Dorset Road ‘missing link’ road connection between Burwood Highway and Lysterfield Road as a project under Initiative 3.3.1 Improve roads in growth areas and outer suburbs.

2.6 Process for developing the Metropolitan Planning Strategy

The State Government has established a five-stage process for developing and implementing the Strategy. This process commenced in 2011 and is scheduled to finish in early 2014 with the release of the final Strategy.

Stage 1 involved the project’s establishment and research.

Stage 2 covered the development of strategic principles to guide development of the Strategy. The strategic principles cover the topics of:

· Social and economic participation;

· A globally connected and competitive city;

· Strong communities;

· Environmental resilience;

· Melbourne’s distinctiveness;

· Leadership and partnerships;

· Regional Cities and polycentric city model;


· Living and working locally – A ’20 minute’ city; and

· Infrastructure investment supporting the growth of the city.

Stage 3 was the Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper was released in October 2012, with closing date for comments 28 March 2013. Six hundred formal submissions were lodged in response to the Discussion Paper, including one from Knox City Council.

Stage 4 is the current stage which is the release of the draft Strategy. It was to include a revised Background Report for comment also, but this has not happened. Feedback on the draft strategy is due by 6 December 2013.

Stage 5 being the release of a final Strategy and Background Report is scheduled for early 2014. This will include changes to the State Planning Policy Framework, which forms part of all planning schemes in Victoria.

3. CONSULTATION

3.1 State Government consultation

The draft strategy is out for consultation for just under two months.

Half day information sessions are being held at 5 locations across Melbourne during the consultation period, as are information displays being set up at six shopping centres and markets. The closest ones for Knox were the Dandenong information display on 2 November and the Ringwood information session on 16 November 2013.

3.2 Knox internal consultation

Councillors were advised of the release of Draft Strategy the day of its release and were provided an online link. Since then Councillors have been provided with a paper copy of the Summary Document. When made available from the State Government, two paper copies of the full Draft Strategy were placed in the Councillors’ suite.

Councillors also received a briefing on the Draft Strategy – Plan Melbourne and provided guidance and input into the development of its submission at an Issues Briefing on 29 October 2013.

Given Council meeting reporting timeframes and the submissions deadline, internal consultation with various Knox Advisory Committees has been limited to advising the relevant committees of the Draft Strategy via the responsible officer on 10 October 2013, seeking their comments prior to 28 October 2013 where possible. In those circumstances where the timeframe was too short to provide a committee response for consideration within the Council report and submission, it was suggested that individual members of the committees could make a direct submission to the State Government by 6 December 2013.


The draft submission was developed in consultation with many Council departments, including:

· Biodiversity;

· City Futures;

· City Planning & Building;

· Community Access & Equity;

· Knox Central;

· Preventative Health Partnership;

· Social Policy & Planning; and

· Transport & Traffic. In addition to the submission from Knox City Council, officers are working with other eastern metropolitan Councils to provide a regional submission. This is proposed to be endorsed and submitted under delegation by the Director City Development.

3.3 Knox community

Notification of the draft Strategy by the State Government is via public advertisements generally.

Council has provided a link to the Strategy on its website and copies have been distributed to Council Libraries. Officers are also promoting the Plan and the opportunity for submission via social media.


The Strategy will have fundamental implications for both the environment and amenity of Melbourne and Knox.


There are likely to be considerable resource implications associated with some of the initiatives and actions of the strategy particularly changes required to Planning Schemes or new local planning statements. It is unclear at this stage if resources or funding will be made available to Councils.

On a broader level the shift in focus outlined in the plan to areas for major growth is likely to have an impact on reduced or no funding being available for more established areas such as Knox.


The Strategy will have social implications for Melbourne and Knox over the next 40 years; particularly given the large focus of the Strategy on population growth and maximising the use of existing infrastructure.



The Strategy is relevant to the entire City Plan 2013-17.

8. CONCLUSION

This report provides an overview of the draft Strategy and the Knox City Council submission that has been drafted in response to the Draft Strategy. The report seeks Councils endorsement of its submission as outlined in Appendix A to be forwarded to Plan Melbourne prior to 6 December 2013.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

There are no matters of a confidential nature associated with this report. COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. LOCKWOOD SECONDED: CR. HOLLAND

That Council endorse the submission to the draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy ‘Plan Melbourne: Metropolitan Planning Strategy’ as shown at Appendix A and forward the submission to the State Government by 6 December 2013. CARRIED


APPENDIX A (DW Doc Set ID 3020803)

Knox City Council submission to the State Government on the draft Metropolitan Planning Strategy - Plan Melbourne November 2013


Table of Contents

1. Introduction........................................................................................ 143 2. Key Strengths of the draft Strategy ................................................... 143 3. Key Opportunities missing within the draft Strategy (recommended for

the final strategy) - general ................................................................ 145 4. Key Opportunities missing within the draft Strategy (recommended for

the final strategy) – Knox specific ...................................................... 147 5. Objective 1: Delivering Jobs and Investment..................................... 149 6. Objective 2: Housing Choice and Affordability ................................... 151 7. Objective 3: A more connected Melbourne ....................................... 152 8. Objective 4: Liveable communities and neighbourhoods .................. 155 9. Objective 5: Environment and energy ............................................... 157 10. Objective 6: A State of cities .............................................................. 160 11. Objective 7: Implementation - Delivering better governance .............. 160 12. Other issues: ...................................................................................... 162


1. Introduction 1. This submission by Knox City Council (Knox) is in response to the draft

Metropolitan Planning Strategy (draft Strategy) ‘Plan Melbourne’.

2. The draft Strategy follows the Discussion Paper ‘Melbourne, let’s talk about the future’ which was out for public comment between October 2012 and March 2013. Many of the issues that Knox identified as either ‘important’ or ‘challenges’ within its submission to the Discussion Paper have been included within the draft Strategy.

3. Knox City Council’s feedback submission is organised around the themes of:

· Key strengths of the draft Strategy

· Key opportunities missing from the draft Strategy and recommended for the final Strategy - General

· Key opportunities missing from the draft Strategy and recommended for the final Strategy – Knox specific

· Specific comments on the Strategy as per the Outcomes and Objectives

· Other

4. This submission focuses primarily on issues that are relevant to Knox City Council and what we have heard is relevant to our local community via the 2012 community engagement project Knox@50. It covers both broader metropolitan wide issues and more Knox specific locational issues.

2. Key Strengths of the draft Strategy 5. The draft Strategy is both a land-use planning and transport plan for

Melbourne. This is commended.

6. The draft Strategy is clear on the big concepts and projects earmarked for Melbourne.

7. The concept of the State Government backed Integrated Economic Triangle focussing on integrated transport improvements and job provision is supported.

8. The draft Strategy seeks to integrate health and wellbeing within it, including linking Local Governments Community Health and Wellbeing Plans to Municipal Strategic Statements. This has not been done before and is considered to be a positive initiative.


9. Seeking to give protection to valued residential areas across Melbourne, while encouraging population growth near jobs and transport nodes is supported.

10. The draft Strategy indicates how Knox might effectively link and integrate our local economy into activities planned for Monash/Clayton, Dandenong South and in the longer term the Port of Hastings and a third airport in Melbourne’s south-east.

11. The approach to increase housing choice and affordability to provide affordable housing options close to central city and other major employment areas is supported.

12. The draft Strategy generally supports housing policy work local governments are currently undertaking. This is supported given the significant work Knox has done in developing its new Housing Strategy.

13. Establishing a body to oversee the implementation of the Strategy and which coordinates the various government agencies/funding opportunities etc should better assist in delivering some of the Strategy’s particular initiatives.

14. The concept of metropolitan sub regions is supported, and the Eastern Sub Region is a logical group for some matters. For regional groups to be effective and sustainable over the life of the Strategy good governance arrangements for these will be critical, including ongoing resourcing. Further, many initiatives of the draft Strategy will be best managed across Sub regions.

15. The draft Strategy gives consideration to food security and food production, this is supported.

16. The draft Strategy identifies the Rowville Rail (be it a long term project).

17. The draft Strategy supports Knox’s approach to delivering Bush Boulevards along major road corridors. A long-term metropolitan boulevard strategy and implementation plan would be welcomed.


3. Key Opportunities missing from the draft Strategy (recommended for the final strategy) - General

18. The pressures facing Melbourne - congestion, affordability, accessibility, a changing climate and rural encroachment are well outlined in the Strategy. It is however silent on such matters as the effects of increased hard surfaces associated with a more populated city, and the impacts on storm water run-off.

19. The valued geographical elements of Melbourne such as its bay and mountains are largely ignored for the contribution they make in relation to such matters as health and wellbeing, biodiversity and recreation and city image. These elements should be given prominence in the Strategy as they have a large part in defining Melbourne.

20. The implementation aspect of the draft Strategy proposes to establish a monitoring framework that will include an annual statement of progress in implementing the Strategy’s initiatives which is supported. However it is unclear whether there will be an ongoing requirement for initiatives and actions to be regularly updated, with new actions added progressively over the years as existing actions are completed. It would appear presently that many actions included within the draft Strategy are existing projects already underway. Continually updating actions will better support longevity of the plan, and ensure the document is a live and current Strategy.

21. The Strategy is heavily weighted with short term actions and minimal medium and long term actions. While this might imply significant investment and focus by the state government for the next four years which is applauded, the lack of medium and long term actions provides limited direction on what long term projects are scheduled.

22. Many of the initiatives and actions refer to supporting local governments and other stakeholders to undertake various projects and actions. At this stage it is unclear whether this support (financial and other) to local government will be sufficient to realistically enable it to effectively assist in delivery parts of the Strategy.

23. While the intent of the activity centres and 20 minute neighbourhoods represents sound policy, there is little likelihood of delivering on these policy objective in areas beyond inner Melbourne unless core transport infrastructure needs are met. It is recommended that the final Strategy acknowledge the existing need for suburban travel in order to redress the current imbalance between the location of housing and jobs. Delivery of road and dedicated public transport corridors to and within the outer suburban suburbs is therefore essential to the success of the Melbourne Plan.

24. The Vision for Melbourne - ‘a global city of opportunity and choice’ would seem appropriate, but the draft Strategy does not define or outline what this means or what Melbourne might look and feel like in 2050 if it were operating as one. The final Strategy needs to be much clearer on the Vision, including how Melbourne might operate and look like if it were one in 2050, including the contribution the existing established residential and employment areas currently make and will continue to make.


25. The Strategy does not clearly outline what is Melbourne’s intended national and international role and purpose for the next 40 years, including what will be its relationship with other Australian capital cities. Direction 1.4 which seeks Central City to become Australia’s largest commercial and residential centre by 2040 hints that it is about Melbourne surpassing Sydney. Will this have unintended consequences for Melbourne’s liveability and consume resources that could be better applied to other areas of Melbourne or Victoria?

26. Inclusionary zoning should be investigated as one means for increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.

27. The draft Strategy talks about integrated transport but then compartmentalises the different modes which makes it difficult to see the integration. It would be beneficial if the final Strategy makes the connections/ linkages clearer.

28. Given that the Strategy is intended to replace the previous Victorian Transport Plan, there are few nominated transport projects which would otherwise meet the stated objectives of the Plan Melbourne Strategy. The document contains only limited detail and commitment to transport projects and ambiguous timelines for implementation. One of the stated objectives of the Strategy is to provide a clear pipeline of investment and infrastructure projects which would support the delivery of the Strategy’s objectives, however the document fails to achieve this with any clarity. The final Strategy should be clearer in language and provide direction and commitment to projects beyond those currently underway.

29. The final Strategy could better address the needs of different types of commuters, in particular mobility impaired and the aging population, two groups that are becoming more reliant of public transport options to improve social interaction and community participation.

30. More focus is needed on how the Strategy will address the car culture that is evident in much of Melbourne, particularly evident in outer-urban areas.

31. The three major National Employment Clusters are supported, however the strategy could benefit from further attention as to how these connect to and interact with, and support the many other employment precincts across Melbourne.

32. The influence of digital technology (i.e. National Broadband Network) over how Melbourne functions will only grow. While the draft Strategy is quiet on this, the final Strategy should not only address digital technology but seek to use it to improve Melbourne’s capacity and liveability.


33. The draft Strategy addressed biodiversity in peri-urban areas, but missed the significant biodiversity existing in the urban areas of municipalities like Knox. Biodiversity in urban areas should be recognised, particularly given its multiple positive attributes.

34. The draft Strategy does not give adequate guidance or protection to Green wedge land.

35. The Strategy should address risk planning for natural hazards beyond growth and peri-urban areas.

36. The Strategy is silent on the ongoing needs across Melbourne to improve existing assets (i.e. drainage capacity, road infrastructure) which may be unsustainable long term.

37. While the Strategy seeks to address an increase in population in terms of transport and business, it does not sufficiently address sewerage, drainage, water supply, waste management and recycling.

38. It would appear that existing outer urban areas have inadvertently fallen through a gap within the draft Strategy, possibly due to many outer suburbs also being Growth Areas. More focus needs to be given to the contribution of existing urban areas that are not growth areas but rather provide opportunities to live and work locally.

39. Commencing the reservation of land for future rail extensions and stations in the urban growth areas and outer suburbs (Rowville rail) should be a short term rather than a medium term action under Initiative 3.3.2 ‘Improve Outer-suburban rail and bus networks’.

40. The draft Strategy does not address funding required by local government to facilitate actions outlined in it.

4. Key Opportunities missing from the draft Strategy (recommended for the final strategy) – Knox specific

41. It is recommended that all references to Mountain Gate being an Activity Centre be removed, as this centre with its lack of public transport sits more comfortably with that of a Neighbourhood Centre.

42. For some time Council has supported the inclusion of Waverley Golf and surrounding land being located within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). In making permanent the UGB, consideration of this area within it prior to finalisation of the permanent boundary is sought.


43. Consider the emerging Wantirna Health Precinct as a designated Health Precinct and/or potential future Urban Renewal Precinct. This area is serviced by a SmartBus route and includes substantial government land holdings.

44. The role of the Scoresby-Rowville Employment Precinct, and the Bayswater Industrial and Activity Centre Precinct (which includes land within the municipalities of Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges) is important for local and regional employment and investment and will contribute to 20-minute living. To provide ongoing support to this area it is sought that greater attention be given to it in the final Strategy than the Map 12 reference of it being an ‘Investment and Employment Opportunity.’

45. The Rowville Rail and Tram to Upper Ferntree Gully are important public transport upgrades advocated by Council.

46. Within the draft Strategy the Rowville Rail is identified as a long term project with land reservation ‘medium term’ and planning ‘short term’. The Rowville Rail is a high priority for Knox. It is considered necessary that both the planning and reservation of land for the Rowville Rail be short term actions within the final Strategy.

47. The Tram to Upper Ferntree Gully is another key public transport initiative Council would like addressed within the final Strategy. At present the route 75 tram terminates at a Neighbourhood Centre in Vermont South. To best achieve integration of public transport and support the outer east (which is severely lacking in public transport options), it is recommended that the tram line for route 75 be extended all the way to Upper Ferntree Gully train station. This will connect various activity and employment centres (Knox Central, Mountain Gate and Tally Ho), education (Deakin and Swinburne) and health facilities (William Angliss Hospital) along the way and best captures patrons from the east and west.

48. To support the Route 75 Upper Ferntree Gully Tram extension, it is recommended that it be listed for planning and reservation of land as short term actions under Initiative 3.1.3 ‘Improve tram travel times, capacity and reliability and extend the tram network into key urban renewal precincts’.

49. Identify the importance of protecting views towards Dandenong Foothills/Ranges.

50. Linking the Dandenong Foothills along Knox’s existing identified bush boulevards towards the city should be considered within Melbourne’s network of boulevards referred to under Initiative 4.6.2 ‘Develop Melbourne’s network of boulevard’.

51. Identify the Dorset Road missing road connection between Burwood Highway and Lysterfield Road as a project under Initiative ‘3.3.1 Improve roads in growth areas and outer suburbs’.


The following Sections provide comment and specific suggestions regarding the draft Strategy against the seven Chapters.

5. Objective 1: Delivering Jobs and Investment 52. Plan Melbourne plans to support jobs and productivity through driving the

expansion of the Central City and through supporting the growth and development of significant employment nodes across the metropolitan area in National Employment Clusters, Metropolitan Activity Centres and State-Significant Industrial Precincts (none of these are located within Knox). There will also be a need for planning at the subregional level to achieve a better balance of employment and population growth across the metropolitan area.

53. The draft Strategy outlines that all former Principal and Major Activity Centres will now be known as Activity Centres. For many years now Knox City Council has considered the Major Activity Centre status for Mountain Gate as inappropriate given its limited access to public transport. As such Knox City Council would like to use this opportunity to designate Mountain Gate as a Neighbourhood Centre, rather than an Activity Centre.

54. Recommendation: Amend Table 1 – Metropolitan Melbourne Structure Plan (page 27) to designate Mountain Gate as a Neighbourhood Centre.

55. The emerging Wantirna Health Precinct (presently experiencing strong growth), has many attributes that could position it as a designated Health Precinct/potential Urban Renewal Site. Some of these include: various public land holdings, accessibility along the smart bus route; adjacent to the Wantirna Neighbourhood Centre, presence of Knox Private Hospital and ancillary medical services (proposed substantial redevelopment which will see it become the 2nd largest private hospital in Victoria). If the State Government supports this approach reference to this could be made in Table 1 – Metropolitan Melbourne Structure Plan (page 27).

56. Recommendation: Include the emerging Wantirna health precinct within the listing for Health and Education Precincts and/or Urban Renewal Sites (page 27).

Direction 1.2 Strengthen competitiveness of Melbourne’s employment land

57. The employment precincts in Knox (Scoresby-Rowville Employment Precinct and the Bayswater Industrial/Activity Centre Precinct in particular) provide a wide range of local and regional employment opportunities, many of which are leading edge in function. To support and facilitate these particular precincts and other employment land in Knox into the future, their relationship and support role to the nearby Monash and Dandenong South Employment Clusters, should be acknowledged and encouraged further. This is particularly important, given this relationship is across the proposed Eastern and Southern subregions.


58. Recommendation: Include reference under Direction 1.2 to the existing economic relationship that operate and could be facilitated further across the Eastern and Southern sub regions that links the Dandenong South Employment cluster, the Monash Employment cluster and the significant employment areas in Knox such as the Scoresby-Rowville Employment and Bayswater Industrial/Activity Centre Precincts.

Direction 1.4 Plan for the expanded Central City to become Australia’s largest commercial and residential centre by 2040

59. The draft Strategy is not particularly clear as to why the State Government is positioning Central City to be Australia’s largest commercial and residential centre. The consequence of this aim may involve a decrease in funds to allocate elsewhere to improve liveability in other parts of Melbourne/Victoria, with no discernible justification.

Initiative 1.5.3 Support planning of other activity centre 60. There is a need to continue to support local governments to plan for their

network of Activity Centres over the life of the Strategy, not just a medium term action to take place between the years 2017 - 2025.

61. Recommendation: Include as an ongoing action, starting from the short term, that the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (Planning) (DTPLI - Planning) will provide support to local government to plan for their Activity Centres.

Initiative 1.5.4 Accelerate investment in Melbourne’s Growth Areas to increase local access to employment

62. This initiative appears to interchange the terms ‘Growth Areas’ and the broader ‘Outer Suburbs’. To better reflect the intentions of this Initiative it is suggested that in the title the words ‘Growth Areas’ be substituted with ‘Outer Suburbs’. This would ensure the stated Actions are clearer in intention. It will also make clear the intention of the Strategy to support appropriate investment in outer suburbs where access to jobs is generally poor.

63. Recommendation: Reword Initiative 1.5.4 as follows: ‘Accelerate investment in Melbourne’s Growth Areas outer suburbs to increase local access to employment’


6. Objective 2: Housing Choice and Affordability 64. The Strategy estimates that by 2050 Melbourne could have a population of 6.5

million, which based on current growth rates is a conservative figure. This increase of 2.5 million more people than in 2012 requires at least 1 million new dwellings. For the Eastern Region, future growth is estimated at 250,000 to 350,000 more people by 2050.

65. To cater for this increase in population and the need for more affordable housing choices, the Strategy aims to direct housing to defined locations close to jobs, transport and services and by increasing supply of housing in growth areas, including those in the Central City (i.e. Fishermans Bend). (Refer page 57 of Plan Melbourne). Part of future growth will be through focussing on medium and high-density development in defined areas in the existing urban area, such as within designated urban renewal precinct, rather than continuing to expand outwards.

66. The Strategy also seeks to encourage greater levels of investment in affordable housing including social housing. These objectives are supported.

67. The Strategy needs greater recognition on the need for upgrades to both capital and social infrastructure to support the proposed infill development expected to occur across Melbourne. There appears to be no acknowledgement that existing infrastructure and services could prove unfit for purpose in meeting future demand due to population growth nor indications of how such shortfalls would be met.

68. Recommendation: Include a new initiative covering the potential shortfalls in existing capital and social infrastructure in infill areas and a proposed strategy on how these shortfalls will be met and funded.

Initiative 2.1.2 Investigate and plan for expected housing needs across Melbourne’s five subregions

69. While there is merit in investigating and planning for expected housing needs across subregions, the current work being undertaken on municipal housing strategies and the application of new residential zones in 2013/2014 will mean any subregion data will have little influence in the short to medium term.

Initiative 2.1.4 Improve the quality of amenity of residential apartments 70. The Strategy proposes revising the design guidelines for multi-unit

developments and apartments. If done well, this will be invaluable.

71. Recommendation: In DTPLI - Planning drafting new design guidelines, Knox would be keen to assist in reviewing the draft.

Initiative 2.4.3 Accelerate investment in affordable housing 72. This initiative is supported, but the proposed actions may have limited affect. It

would be worth investigating inclusionary zoning as a method for increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.


73. Recommendation: Include as an Action under Initiative 2.4.3 ‘Investigate inclusionary zoning as a method for increasing supply of social and affordable housing’.

7. Objective 3: A more connected Melbourne 74. A more connected Melbourne requires real integration where the connections

between the different transport modes are created and/or improved and where there is a focus towards the lowest impact mode first. The draft Strategy presently compartmentalises the different transport modes and as such they do not appear to integrate the transport system as well as it could.

75. The transport focus of this draft Strategy is heavily weighted to roads, with major road projects the largest and first priorities.

76. While roads are given priority, bus projects (particularly for existing suburbs with poor public transport) appear to be limited.

77. The priorities for Knox are:

a) A strong commitment by the state government to the Rowville Rail extension and a reinstatement of the tram extension within Knox. In relation to the tram, the service should be ultimately extended to Upper Ferntree Gully to best cater for need and ensure it truly supports an integrated public transport system for Melbourne. In supporting these public transport projects, reservations need to be established as soon as possible. It is acknowledged that physical works on the Rowville Rail cannot commence until after the Melbourne Metro Project.

b) Improved bus services (routes, frequency, directness, hours of service and connections) across the suburbs.

c) The Dorset Road extension delivered. This section of road will provide the missing link between Dorset Road at Burwood Highway and Lysterfield Road providing a much needed north-south connection in the outer suburbs.

d) The Bayswater railway crossing grade separation (This has been identified under Initiative 3.2.3 of the draft Strategy – page 83.)


Initiative 3.1.3 Improve tram travel times, capacity and reliability and extend the tram network into key urban renewal precincts

78. The draft Strategy is silent in relation to any tram extension into the Eastern suburbs. A tram extension along Route 75, which takes in Knox Central, Mountain Gate and continues to the Upper Ferntree Gully train station, would provide multitude benefits. This tram extension (which can be catered for within the Burwood Highway Road central road reserve) would provide much needed public transport access to and within the outer East, including Knox’s largest Activity Centre which has significant capacity for increased employment and housing opportunities. It would provide a connection to Deakin University, Burwood to the west, and give another transport option to Swinburne University, Wantirna and Angliss Hospital, Upper Ferntree Gully. It would also provide a connection to the train service at Upper Ferntree Gully.

79. Recommendation: Include under Initiative 3.1.3 the action of extending the Route 75 tram within Knox to the Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station, including planning and reservation of the land for this purpose as short term actions.

Initiative 3.2.2 Harmonise public transport services across trains, trams and buses to provide access to job-rich areas in the suburbs

80. Both the railway extension to Rowville and a tram extension to Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station would strongly contribute to this particular Direction and Initiative. While the Rowville Rail project is detailed (though not in a specific action), there is a recommendation that the Knox tram extension also be recognised.

81. One of the actions under this initiative is to simplify and harmonise frequency to improve connections across public transport services. This is supported but should also include identifying and providing the missing links in connections between public transport and other transport systems to support a fully integrated transport system.

82. Recommendation: Include under Initiative 3.2.2 Actions delivery of both the Rowville Rail and Knox Tram extension (to Upper Ferntree Gully) projects.

83. Recommendation: Include under Initiative 3.2.2 Actions ‘Identify and deliver options for providing improved connections between public transport services and other transport systems to support a fully integrated transport system.’

Direction 3.3 Improve transport infrastructure and services in Melbourne’s newer suburbs

84. Recommendation: That this Direction be amended to relate to all outer suburbs not just the newer suburbs.


Initiative 3.3.1 Improve roads in growth areas and outer suburbs 85. The Dorset Road, missing link extension between Burwood Highway and

Lysterfield Road, Ferntree Gully/Lysterfield should be specifically included with the list of upgrades to be completed within established outer suburbs under this Initiative. The provision of this missing road link will improve travel times.

86. Recommendation: Include under Initiative 3.3.1 the Dorset Road missing link extension project.

Initiative 3.3.2 Improve outer-suburban rail and bus networks 87. This Initiative details the intention to overcome the backlog in delivering of bus

services to outer suburbs and extend and enhance the rail network where there is sufficient demand. In line with this there should be a specific action about planning for expanded bus services in the outer suburbs, not just growth areas, where demand exists.

88. Further, reserving land for all future rail and tram extensions (i.e. Rowville Rail) should be elevated to that of a short term action rather than a medium term action as proposed.

89. Recommendation: Under Initiative 3.3.2 revise the following short term action as shown: ‘Plan for expanded bus services in growth areas and outer suburbs.’

90. Recommendation: Elevate the medium term action of ‘Commence the reservation of land for future rail extensions and stations in the urban growth areas and outer suburbs’ to that of a short term action.

Initiative 3.4.2 Create a network of high quality cycling links 91. It is suggested that this initiative should refer to improving both off-road and

commuter cycling links. It is further suggested that support also be given to the bicycle network and its connectivity to employment, other transport systems, Activity Centres etc by introducing a standard wayfinding system across Metropolitan Melbourne to encourage greater usage and therefore less reliance on other transport systems.

92. Recommendation: Include under Initiative 3.4.2 specific reference to a) improving both off-road and computer cycling links; and b) implementing a standardised wayfinding system across Melbourne’s cycling and shared pathways.


8. Objective 4: Liveable communities and neighbourhoods 93. The draft Strategy seeks to integrate health and wellbeing within it, including

linking Local Governments’ Community Health and Wellbeing Plans to Municipal Strategic Statements. This has not been done before and is considered to be a very positive inclusion.

94. The draft Strategy recognises that Melbourne is a city of suburbs, a very green city and a well-designed city. It plans to build on these strengths by protecting the distinctiveness of the city’s built and natural environment and ensuring all areas of the city offer attractive and healthy neighbourhoods that have good access to a range of services and facilities (20-minute neighbourhoods). To achieve this, the State proposes to support local governments to take a broad whole-of-community approach to planning for their communities and provide them a more flexible planning system that supports development of more liveable places.

Initiative 4.1.1 – Support a network of vibrant neighbourhoods centres (page 101)

95. This initiative outlines that while it is the role of local government to work with their communities to ensure vibrant neighbourhood centres, more can be done through the planning system to encourage local government and their communities to develop and energise these centres.

96. It is considered that the effect of the reformed zones released earlier this year will have significant implications for how neighbourhood centres develop. With this in mind, more is needed from a place based perspective rather than through the planning system.

97. In saying that however, in updating the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) to specify the role of Neighbourhood Centres, it will be important that it allows and supports Neighbourhood Centres having distinctiveness.

98. Recommendation: Under Initiative 4.1.1: a) Specify funding support to local government for place management of neighbourhood centres; and b) Ensure the SPPF in specifying the role of Neighbourhood Centres acknowledges that they are not all the same.

Initiative 4.1.2 Support local government to plan and manage their neighbourhoods

99. This initiative is particularly important for local government in established areas. It states that assistance from local government is required to achieve 20-minute neighbourhoods via planning and managing their neighbourhoods using the principles of:

a) Improving walkability and safety to provide healthier communities

b) improving housing choice and diversity

c) increasing the usability of and access to, open space

d) improving local economic opportunities


e) encouraging adequate local services and infrastructure

f) ensuring access to public transport.

100. The related action is to investigate options for a 20-minute Neighbourhood Fund to support local governments to undertake projects within their community that demonstrate 20-minute neighbourhood principles. While this is fully supported, it is important that sufficient funding is made available across the term of the Strategy for a range of projects. In addition a clear commitment is required to address the gaps in suburban infrastructure (i.e. transport) particularly in the outer suburbs where shortfalls are evident.

101. Recommendation: Under Initiative 4.1.2 ensure that sufficient funding is made to the 20-minute Neighbourhood Fund over the life of the Strategy.

Direction 4.4 Plan for future social infrastructure 102. Direction 4.4 covers the planning of health, education, recreation, cultural, not-

for-profit organisations and cemeteries. It would seem appropriate that this section also cover aged-care facilities.

103. Recommendation: Under Direction 4.4 give adequate direction for the future planning of aged care facilities.

Initiative 4.4.1 Create health precincts to meet the needs of residents across Melbourne

104. This initiative recommends that to improve access to health services and improve certainty for health providers at the city and subregional levels, the State Government will identify regional health precincts in the planning scheme and work with the Department of Health and local governments to review planning controls to facilitate the establishment and clustering of a mix of health services closer to existing hospitals and health services.

105. This will be particularly relevant for the emerging Wantirna Health Precinct.

106. Recommendation: Under Initiative 4.4.1 consider the emerging Wantirna Health Precinct as a designated Health Precinct.

Direction 4.5 Make our city greener 107. This Direction acknowledges the environmental, social and economic benefits

of trees and vegetation cover across urban areas and the pressure these spaces are under. It aims to adopt water sensitive design approaches in urban area, expand street tree coverage and make available open spaces healthier and greener.


Initiative 4.5.3 Extend the landscape and vegetation cover of metropolitan Melbourne

108. This initiative is supported but should acknowledge that in some areas, additional planting may add to potential bushfire risk.

109. Recommendation: Include an additional initiative along the lines of: ‘Investigate potential risks associated with roadside, parklands and open space planting programs in consultation with relevant authorities to ensure continuity of fuels do not pose a bushfire threat to the community and that fire control lines are not compromised.’ Responsibility for this would be Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner.

Direction 4.6 Create more great public places throughout Melbourne 110. The aim of this Direction is to raise the standard of urban design of public

places throughout the entire metropolitan area. Delivery will be via a more focused place-making approach.

111. This Direction also aims to maintain Melbourne’s distinctiveness as a leading cultural and sporting city. In ensuring this more facilities will be provided at a suburban and subregional level.

Initiative 4.6.2 Develop Melbourne’s network of boulevards 112. This initiative refers to boulevard planting along roads to add to Melbourne’s

distinctiveness. Knox has recognised in its Planning Scheme the importance of bush boulevard planting along its main roads linking the suburbs to the Dandenong Ranges. This planting which is yet to be fully realised should be included within the pipeline of future boulevards, particularly as it needs support from VicRoads re plantings.

113. Recommendation: Include the Bush Boulevards identified in the Knox Planning Scheme in the pipeline of future boulevards.

9. Objective 5: Environment and energy 114. This section seeks Melbourne to be a world leading sustainable city that

values its natural assets, is innovative in how it manages its resources and is resilient to environmental change.

Initiative 5.1.1 Accommodate the majority of new dwellings in established areas within walking distance of the public transport network

115. It would be useful if this initiative in the final Strategy is explicit about what part of the public transport network the walking distance measurement is taken from. To be effective it is recommended that this be from train, tram and smart bus route stops (not measured from say infrequent smaller bus routes).


Initiative 5.1.2 Ensure settlement planning in growth areas and peri-urban areas responds to natural hazards

116. Natural hazards are not restricted to growth areas and peri-urban areas (hinterland beyond the Melbourne metropolitan boundary), as has been reflected through the 2011 statewide bushfire planning provisions. Accordingly, it is recommended that this Initiative be reworded. This initiative would also benefit from an additional action as detailed below.

117. Recommendation: Amend Initiative 5.1.2 as follows: ‘Ensure settlement planning in growth areas and peri-urban areas responds to natural hazards.’

118. Recommendation: Include the following short term action: ‘Give support to the protection of life, property, environment and critical infrastructure in urban, green wedge, growth and peri-urban areas through the provision of adequate design and designation of new development and appropriate planning for existing communities and infrastructure at risk of bushfire and flood inundation in particular. Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (Planning)’.

Direction 5.2 Protect and restore natural habitats in urban and non-urban areas

119. This Direction acknowledges the natural amenity of Melbourne’s landscapes, waterways, foreshores and bays and the importance of these. It further states that it is critical that there is an integrated network of accessible open space and natural habitats, while adequately protecting native flora and fauna. In addition to implementing the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, it sees that there are opportunities to increase connections between natural areas and also improve their persistence in areas beyond the metropolitan urban boundary.

Initiative 5.2.1 Increase the protection and restoration of biodiversity areas

120. The only action listed under this initiative is to implement and refine the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy in Growth Areas. It is suggested that the final Strategy would benefit from including an additional action under Initiative 5.2.1 to give support to local governments protecting and restoring biodiversity in their local areas.

121. Recommendation: Include the following ongoing action under Initiative 5.2.1 ‘Support local government and other bodies giving protection to and restoring biodiversity’.

Initiative 5.2.2 (Protect the values of our waterways)

122. Initiative 5.2.2 (Protect the values of our waterways) is supported however the medium term timeframe for the development of ‘new stormwater requirements to ensure that stormwater in new developments is managed in a cost-effective manner that protects the health and amenity of downstream waterways and bays’ does not address the current urgency to address this matter.


123. Recommendation: There is a need for a short term timeframe; and for the action to be reflected in the VPPs to ensure a consistent, state-wide approach across all development.

Direction 5.3 Enhance the food production capability of Melbourne and its non-urban areas

124. This Direction gives support to local food production which is commended. The final Strategy may also want to consider revising this section to also give support and enhance food production in the urban environment too.

Initiative 5.5.1 Prepare and implement whole of water cycle management plans in Melbourne’s subregions

125. This initiative outlines the need for whole of water cycle management at the three levels of metropolitan, regional and local, with the 10-year regional plans being based on catchments and groupings of local government. However, the initiative refers to these plans as per the sub regions which do not necessarily correlate with the catchments.

126. Recommendation: Make clear that regional water cycle management plans are based on catchments. This could be achieved by amending the initiative as follows: “Prepare and implement whole of water cycle management plans in Melbourne’s subregions”

127. The final Strategy should promote far greater integration of Stormwater Quality for waterway health with Stormwater Quantity for waterway and community health through flood protection – this is a key focus of most Councils across Melbourne. Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Consultation Draft (2013) which is the State Government’s draft water system strategy has as its vision that Melbourne’s water system be smart and resilient for a liveable, productive, sustainable city. Many key aspects of the draft Living Melbourne, Living Victoria relate to Plan Melbourne, such as…. “to create a city that:

· Supports liveable and sustainable communities · Protects the environmental health of urban waterways and bays · Provide secure water supplies efficiently · Protect public health · Manage flood risk”

128. Recommendation: The final Strategy and the key principles of the State Government’s proposed water system strategy - Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Consultation Draft (2013) should be integrated; as both of these State Government documents will have a significant impact on Councils’ day to day function, investment, direction and priority decision making.


Initiative 5.8.2 Develop new waste systems to meet the logistical challenges of medium- and higher- density developments

129. This initiative seeks to deal with waste infrastructure and waste services requirements through planning scheme controls.

130. Council would welcome the streamlining of regulations and planning provisions for waste and recycling storage and collection in apartment buildings. As for investigating and encouraging precinct-wide innovations in waste management and recycling, strong leadership and incentives will be required.

10. Objective 6: A State of cities 131. This Objective/Outcome considers that Victoria’s economy and liveability

depend on strong connections between Melbourne and the state’s regional cities. In this context, it is seen that a rebalance of Victoria’s population growth from Melbourne to rural and regional Victoria should occur and with this a permanent boundary around Melbourne be maintained.

Initiative 6.1.1 Confirm the mechanism and lock in a permanent boundary

132. In making permanent the metropolitan urban boundary, Knox City Council would recommend the inclusion of the Waverley Golf Course land and surrounds included within the boundary.

133. Recommendation: Include the Waverley Golf Course land and surrounds within the metropolitan urban boundary.

11. Objective 7: Implementation - Delivering better governance

134. Implementation is to be driven through the new Metropolitan Planning Authority and will need sustained commitment by all levels of government and the private sector in order to be successful.

135. At the local government level the formulation of subregions is to assist collaborative planning and investment.

Initiative 7.1.1 – Establish a Metropolitan Planning Authority 136. The Metropolitan Planning Authority’s intended role is not known presently. To

be successful it will need the ability and backing to coordinate the various state government bodies to ensure infrastructure is rolled out in line with population growth and/or need.


137. Recommendation: Ensure that the terms of reference for the Metropolitan Planning Authority enable it to be able to coordinate across state government departments/agencies to ensure infrastructure is rolled out in line with population growth and/or need.

Initiative 7.1.3 – Create five metropolitan subregions to drive delivery of the strategy

138. The concept of metropolitan subregions is supported, though the sub region groupings of Councils, which is based primarily on a radial slicing of local government boundaries around the Central Subregion, may only suit some types of long term planning and advocacy (i.e. housing).

139. As such, flexibility concerning the make-up of subregions should exist and be catered for in relation to those themes and issues that don’t best match the subregions proposed under the strategy. This will better support the success of the subregional approach rather than it being counterproductive and just another layer to work through.

140. Some areas where alternative subregions would be appropriate are across employment, water catchments and green wedge matters.

141. Recommendation: Under Initiative 7.1.3 also support alternative subregions being established for issues and themes that would not be best managed through the subregions outlined in the draft Strategy.

Initiative 7.1.4 Prepare a new State Planning Policy Framework 142. A new SPPF is to be resolved by the time the State Government finalises this

Strategy. While a draft of the SPPF is being consulted with some stakeholders, it would be appropriate for consultation with local government and others to also occur before finalisation.

143. Recommendation: Incorporate consultation with local government and other relevant stakeholders on the draft SPPF before it is operational.

Direction 7.3 Make more efficient use of existing resources 144. This Direction makes clear that governments have limited funds to apply to

new infrastructure projects. To meet future needs, project costs must be effectively managed using such means as the Investment Lifecycle and High Value High Risk Guidelines.

Initiative 7.3.2 Better use surplus or under-utilised government land 145. State Government land in the emerging Wantirna Health Precinct may be

identified through this initiative which could be used to assist delivery of the Strategy’s health precinct and employment outcomes.

146. Recommendation: In identifying under-utilised government land that could be used to deliver on the outcomes of the Strategy, give consideration to government land within the emerging Wantirna Health Precinct which may be able to assist with delivery of health precinct and employment outcomes.


Initiative 7.5.1 Establish a Monitoring Framework Plan for Melbourne 147. This Initiative strongly supports monitoring the Strategy which is fully

supported. This will include: 1. Monitoring implementation of the Strategy’s initiatives; and, 2. Monitoring the Strategy’s outcomes. It would appear however that it does not specifically address the inclusion within the Strategy of new actions along the life of the Strategy. This should be explicit.

148. Recommendation: Include within Initiative 7.5.1 a statement about how new actions/timeframes will be included and recorded along the life of the strategy.

12. Other issues:

Genuine Consultation 149. The short time frame given for lodging feedback has hampered effective

consultation on the draft Strategy.

150. Further, the limited number of hard copies provided, together with the format of the draft Strategy making it difficult to print to A4 with a readable font size, has limited effective review of the draft Strategy.

163 COUNCIL 26 November 2013

COUNCILLOR SEYMOUR VACATED THE CHAMBER AT 8.57PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 7

7. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Following the completion of business relating to Item 6, City Development, the business before the Council Meeting was deferred to consider questions submitted by the public. Question Time commenced at 8.56pm. The following questions were raised with Council:

Question 1 Question to Director of City Development

Can the director clarify what built form is to be expected in General Residential Zone 4 (GRZ4) and whether this will be binding at VCAT on 16 January 2014 when no. 4 Bambury St (16 apartments) will be before VCAT?

Answer The Director - City Development, Mr Angelo Kourambas responded that the amendment has not yet been approved by the Minister. Mr Kourambas advised that Council would advocate to VCAT that the controls should apply, however he was unable to guarantee VCAT's decision. Mr Kourambas also noted that the Housing Strategy adopted by Council at this evening's meeting would reinforce the controls in the amendment and the Boronia Structure Plan.

Question Time Concluded at 8.59pm.