State Opposition promises return of two-dwelling per lot limit, other planning changes if elected

VICTORIA’S Opposition has promised to wind back the clock on planning regulations to limit over development on Melbourne’s streets.

VICTORIA’S Opposition has promised to wind back the clock on planning regulations to limit over development on Melbourne’s streets.

The Andrews Government made sweeping changes to planning rules last year that included scrapping the two-dwelling limit on development blocks in Neighbourhood Residential Zones.

But Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the changes had led to over development and were destroying the character of Melbourne’s suburbs.

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The Coalition promised, if elected in November, to reintroduce the limit via ministerial decree within 100 days.

It also pledged to bring back the nine metre discretionary height limit in the General Residential Zone, which was increased to 11 metres with a three-storey cap.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has promised planning changes. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Mr Guy said over development was not the answer to Melbourne’s booming population.

“These policies are about protecting our cities and ensuring that suburbs remain suburbs,” he said.

“Activity areas are where growth should take place — near railway stations, near bus stations, not every quiet streets.”
Mr Guy also pledged to review the government’s ‘garden area’ rule, which mandates the amount of garden space on a block.

At least a quarter of a block between 400-500 square metres must be garden area, blocks 501-650sq m need 30 per cent and any blocks larger than that must have 35 per cent.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne offered a scatching review of the opposition’s promise today, saying My Guy had “no credibility” when it came to planning.
He said the proposed changes would water down the controls that struck a balance between development and maintaining a suburb’s amenity.

“This is a really silly decision by Matthew Guy,” Mr Wynne said.

“What we have put in place are controls that have been well thought through.

“This is just a knee-jerk reaction to look after some of his mates out in the eastern suburbs.”

The state opposition will bring back a two dwelling limit on certain lots, if elected. Picture: Timothy Clapin

Mr Guy, as planning minister under the previous government, brought in the new development zones.
He previously faced criticism for “politicising” the process and opening suburbs like Fishermans Bend and the CBD to high-density development while protecting Melbourne’s wealthier and more exclusive suburbs.
The Property Council’s Matthew Kandelaars said the proposed changes would limit housing supply and had the potential to hurt affordability.

“Median Melbourne house prices went up by one third last year,” he said.
“In large part that is because there are 147,000 new Victorians each year and 90 percent will live in greater Melbourne.”

Mr Guy made today’s announcement in leafy southeastern suburb, Glen Iris, where a proposed apartment development has riled residents.

The plans, yet to be approved by council, would see a three-storey apartment complex built in a street with predominantly single-storey homes.

Nearby resident Fiona Williams said the proposed complex — with six one-bedroom, two two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments — could house up to 26 people on a 801sq m block.

She said it was a gross overdevelopment.

“We will lose our liveability in our street,” Ms Williams said.

“We bought our homes in good faith and it’s not fair for us to be penalised for these gross overdevelopments.

“The angst and stress that this development has cause is incredible.”

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