Map-Housing_Diversity_Areas_policy-1

The Planning Scheme Review Report is significant in that:

  • There are no recommendations for review of Housing Diversity Policy
  • Developers are currently pushing the boundaries everywhere. Latest is Coles Supermarket (7 storeys/137 units) and Elsternwick (10 storeys)
  • The Planning Panel recommends over 20 storeys and 5-6 storeys in Residential 1 area of in Caulfield Village. This is like the New Residential 2 Zone proposal by the State Government with no rights of appeal
  • No increase in developers’ contribution levy – remains stagnant at 0.25% whereas other councils stipulate between 4% and 5% for all areas
  • No plan to increase the accessible Public Open Space
  • No program to get Caulfield Racecourse into Public Use and remove horse training & fencing
  • No Public Realm policy development
  • No integration of land use with Integrated Transport plan
  • No environmental or ESD plans for buildings
  • No plans to exhibit the Final Report of this Scheme for comment by the public before sending the document to the Minister

Conclusions:

  1. This Review Report excludes the public from commenting on details as done by other Councils.
  2. If Caulfield Village Planning Report is accepted then the Housing Diversity Areas Policy Framework is now unravelling into a defacto acceptance of the State government’s Residential 2 Zoning which will see high rise developments throughout Glen Eira with the tacit approval of Council and practically no rights of appeal.