Forest Ridge Development Plan, for Forest Hill studio where Neighbours is filmed, approved by VCAT
REVISED plans for a 700-dwelling mini-suburb — complete with six-storey apartment buildings — at the Forest Hill studio site where Neighbours is filmed have passed one hurdle, but the final decision is still up in the air.
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A MINI-SUBURB is set to be built around the Forest Hill TV studio where Neighbours is filmed with 700 new dwellings proposed, including six-storey apartment buildings.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has directed Whitehorse Council to approve the Forest Ridge Development Plan for 104-168 Hawthorn Rd, Forest Hill with several changes from the draft plan that was shot down by councillors last September.
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The plan, submitted by the 10 Consulting Group on behalf of property owner Bazem Pty Ltd, is for about 700 new dwellings, ranging from two to six storeys for the 9ha site.
The Neighbours studio won’t be affected by the development.
The council received 101 submissions to the plan, with only two supporters, before councillors voted to reject it, citing its lack of open public space, and the six-storey apartment buildings as an overdevelopment of the site.
But Bazem Pty Ltd appealed the decision at VCAT where, on October 19, the council met with the property developer where its concerns were discussed.
Whitehorse Council city development manager Jeff Green said VCAT directed the council to approve the plans, subject to changes including an increase in the public park area, reduction in building heights in some parts, and greater building setbacks.
Mr Green said agreement was reached on a number of these concerns, which then formed the basis of the VCAT order.
Mr Green said “significant improvement” had been made on several issues including increasing the public park space by 1029 sqm.
He said the VCAT decision allowed for two locations where buildings could be up to six storeys.
Both of those areas are located toward the Springvale Rd part of the site — one behind an existing medical centre; the other fronts Springvale Rd.
The council will decide on the updated plans, but it is not known when.
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