Developments in Bayside could be generically designed, built closer to the street and take up more space on a site under planning changes proposed by the Victorian Government.
The changes to the State Residential Design Standards (ResCode) pose a significant threat to the neighbourhood character and amenity of Bayside.
The proposed changes apply to most single dwelling developments, and all developments of two or more dwellings and residential buildings in residential zones.
Bayside Mayor, Councillor Fiona Stitfold said the changes are alarming for our community.
"Bayside City Council is extremely concerned that the changes will remove our ability to adequately assess planning applications and potentially compromise the quality of developments," said Cr Stitfold.
"The changes being proposed have not been subject to community engagement with little transparency."
The key proposed changes are:
- An expansion of the codification of design standards
- Reduction in third-party appeal rights removing the ability of members of the community to object to a planning application in some circumstances
- The removal of the neighbourhood character and street integration standards
- Street setback reduced from 9 metres to 6 metres as a maximum setback
- Site coverage increased from 50% to 60% in Neighbourhood Residential Zone and from 60% to 70% in General Residential Zone
- Landscaping - where retained trees provide a canopy cover area of 10% of a site, all other remaining canopy trees that are not significant trees may be removed.
- Side and rear setbacks - an alternative approach is offered to setback a building 3m for an 11m in a GRZ (see image one below).
- Overlooking - reduced from 9 metres to 6 metres and screening reduced from 1.7 metres to 1.5 metres.
The changes could potentially lead to generic and uniform developments across Bayside that do not respond to the individual neighbourhood character of an area. These changes raise concerns with the Victorian Government prioritising the delivery of housing yield over quality, which is reminiscent of the 1960s walk up developments.
The reduction in third-party appeal rights would mean the community will not be heard when decisions are made that could dramatically alter their neighbourhood. Objections could still be made during Council's assessment of a planning application, but Council may not have the ability to consider such concerns.
The community would also not have the ability to seek a VCAT review of a decision given the Minister for Planning's intent for such instances to be removed.
Despite the very short notice provided by the Victorian Government to Councils, Bayside is preparing a submission to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) by 11 September 2024.
Members of the community are encouraged to contact DTP on 9655 6666 or email the Minister of Planning, [email protected], if you have any questions or concerns about the proposed changes.
