New rules for planned overhaul of Franskton’s boulevard after Minister’s move

Community members are cheering but other experts are concerned over council autonomy after Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny steps in at the eleventh hour to scuttle an urban development plan for Frankston.

Langwarrin residents Kerry and Bill out on the streets of Frankston protesting against the 'Great Wall of Frankston'.

Plans to revitalise a once infamous Melbourne suburb have come to a shuddering halt with the state planning Minister stepping in at the eleventh hour.

A development plan passed by the Frankston Council — dubbed The Great Wall of Frankston, which residents fear would pave the way for high-rise developments that block bay views – has been put on hold after Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny stepped in to take control.

The interim move gazetted by the State Government on Wednesday included an design overlay being put in place limiting buildings to three storeys.

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny makes eleventh hour move NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

The move will halt progress on at least two approved luxury projects up to 16 storeys high.

“The amendment is required to introduce interim built form controls to ensure that the amenity of this part of Frankston is protected in the short term and that planning controls provide certainty to the local community while further work is undertaken to plan for the activity centre,” the gazetted document states.

“The land, subject to the amendment, contains a mixture of vacant land and shops generally fronting Nepean Highway.

Frankston development 14 storey building approved by the council that will no loonger fly under interim amendment Picture: supplied

“The existing building heights range from between 6 and 12 metres.”

The emergency measure will stay in place until after October 27.

A government spokesperson said “The Minister for Planning has applied a planning control to one part of the Frankston activity centre which currently does not have any height or design controls in place.

“The interim controls will protect this part of Frankston while we further consider the council’s request.”

The rare move to step in at the last minute is being welcomed by many community members who have been campaigning against the highrise developments.

However, other council sources say it's a concerning move given that state planning laws are currently being reviewed, adding to fears that the state government will be taking more control of planning decisions in the future.

Franskton council approved the planning design earlier this year, praising the 20-year vision for the Frankston city centre and foreshore.

The transformation of the boulevard along the Nepean Highway extending outdoor dining and retail will likely continue but developers may have to alter plans moving forward.