Local residents are being encouraged to comment on the State Government’s proposed shake-up to residential zones.By Callan Date
PLANNING Minister Justin Madden has dismissed concerns regarding the impact of new residential zones set to be introduced into Victoria later this year.
Several Casey residents have voiced their apprehension over the new zones, which have been designed to streamline the planning process.
Mr Madden told the News last week that the proposal was about giving greater certainty to the types of development allowed in each zone.
The proposal outlines the function that the three new zones will provide.
They consist of a substantial change zone – designed to promote a significant increase in new dwellings and greater housing diversity; an incremental change zone – designed to respect existing neighbourhood character and provide for increase in housing diversity; and a limited change zone – which will provide limited opportunities for increased housing and also protect specific characteristics of the area.
Councils will decide which area will be designated to each zone.
“Local councils play a central role in the growth of our communities but to do this effectively they need the right tools,” he said.
“This is one of the reasons why the Brumby Government has developed and released for comment a discussion paper about a new set of residential zones.”
Debate has surrounded various sections of the proposal including the ability to appeal against developments and minimum height requirements of dwellings.
“The proposals for these new zones are not about removing rights. They are about providing certainty about what levels of development are permitted in certain areas,” he said.
“By increasing certainty and understanding within the community, we can reduce the level of disputes.”
However, Opposition MP Matthew Guy disagrees.
“Communities should not be fooled: the New Residential Zones discussion paper will remove their right to go to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and will force high rise dwellings on communities right across Victoria,” Mr Guy said.
The draft residential zones discussion paper is at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning.
Comments can be made until 18 April.
