Prior to the Minister’s announcement of the new residential zones for Glen Eira on August 5th, media reports had already been stating that Glen Eira, together with Boroondara, were to be among the first councils to introduce the zones. Council of course denied all knowledge of this at the time.
Unlike Glen Eira, Boroondara has now released its draft for the zones. (Uploaded here) It differs dramatically from Glen Eira’s vision for the future. The main differences can be summarised as follows:
- The draft incorporates over 2 years of extensive community consultation on its Neighbourhood and Urban Design Strategy (completed in September 2012)
- No deceit, secrecy – the proposals are there in black and white
- Extensive local analysis that has divided Boroondara into 75 distinct areas with plenty of emphasis on Heritage and Development and Design overlays. All Glen Eira has done is introduce C87 that looked at a paltry 17 areas and altered many areas from Minimal Change to Housing Diversity.
- The most important difference lies in the proposed schedules. Boroondara has done its homework and come up with countless ‘limitations’ in the schedules that are designed to protect streets and neighbourhoods.
- Another major difference lies in the zoning itself. All that Glen Eira could come up with was basically 5 zones (Neighbourhood Residential – one zone; General Residential – 2 zones and Residential Growth zone – 2 zones). Boroondara has 7 distinct zones including the all important GRZ1, 2, 3 AND 4. Each of the accompanying schedules differs markedly allowing for greater control of distinct areas. Glen Eira in contrast has none of this fine detail and differentiation within the zones themselves.
- Boroondara is also asking for a Ministerial drawn up Amendment to introduce the zones. But, at least this isn’t being done by stealth and secrecy as Glen Eira did. Boroondara also states that given they have a year to finalise the zones, there will be further amendments and the opportunity for community input.
Below are some of the Boroondara schedules followed by the Glen Eira ones. Readers should note the differences on permeability, open space, tree plantings, set backs etc. They should also start questioning their councillors as to why, when the opportunity was there to really protect neighbourhoods Glen Eira has failed to act? Residents have been merely thrown the bone of ‘height limits’ – something they could have had 10 years ago. The philosophy of untrammelled development remains enshrined in these minimalist schedules to the detriment of thousands and thousands of residents.
Here is the Glen Eira vision:
Glen Eira Debates 
September 10, 2013 at 12:23 PM
The truth finally outs as to what a slack arse lot resides in Glen Eira Council. They pat themselves on the back for bringing in 25% permeability but only for minimal change and Boroondara manages 35%. There’s no excuse for any of this slackness and failure to introduce better zoning and schedules unless your plans are to put as few hindrances into the path of developers as you possibly can.
September 10, 2013 at 1:05 PM
Boroondara isn’t the only council that has decided that a full scale review and update of its Housing Strategy is required BEFORE the introduction of the new zones. There’s this from Whitehorse PLUS the full consultation program. We remind readers that in Glen Eira the lame excuse for the failure to consult was that in 2010 there had been a Planning Scheme Review – many of the outcomes of which have still to be implemented! Glen Eira continues to distinguish itself by its unwillingness (or incapacity) to undertake full scale local analysis and to involve the community in any of its policy decisions. The Whitehorse program may be accessed via – http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/hanc.review.html
September 10, 2013 at 2:31 PM
Boroondara looks like it has gone to much trouble in defining and incorporating its preferred character for the many precincts. Glen Eira doesn’t come close. I can’t find any definitions that hold up. The cited Decision guidelines in both council’s schedules makes this very clear. Boroondara can expect a “positive” contribution to the neighborhood and Glen Eira falls back on the possible exceptions that will grant permits.
The amendment should be torn up and started again from scratch.
September 10, 2013 at 10:41 PM
There’s a year to put the zones into operation when heaps could have been researched and done properly. Council had to be first and it’s cost all of us.
September 11, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Nick Staikos has been heard saying that “Lobo will be the next Mayor”.
September 13, 2013 at 8:19 AM
Rumour has it that little Hyams would like to be a Mayor for the 3rd time! Esakoff was a Mayor for 3 times. The gang wants to hold on to the position. . It will be interesting to see what the labor and greens councillors have to say.