Master Builders Association of Victoria welcomed Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s removal of mandatory height controls in selected commercial precincts in Hawthorn, Canterbury and Surrey Hills, helping to make it possible for higher density developments in otherwise restricted areas, but remains concerned this will not solve the ongoing problem of Council having too much control over planning decisions and too many applications winding up at VCAT.

“The removal of height restrictions in selected commercial precincts is a step in the right direction toward unlocking land that is needed for high-density development in established suburbs with strong links to essential public infrastructure like public transport, schools and hospitals,” Master Builders Association of Victoria CEO Radley de Silva said.

“The local councils in these areas do not have a strong record of making planning decisions quickly or in the interests of the growing population. Removing these mandatory height controls prevents Councils from being able to isolate critical tracts of land from building and construction that are necessary to meet the demands of Melbourne’s growing population,” Mr de Silva said.

Mr de Silva cautioned that the authority to approve such developments still rests with local councils.

“Even with height restrictions removed, the councils retain the power to make nearly all planning decisions in the first instance,” he said.

“With these changes, the onus still rests with developers to convince councils to approve proposals for higher density developments, and if councils reject the proposals, this will add to the already stifling number of planning applications that wind up at VCAT, slowing the approvals process even further.

“The planning process requires a drastic and more fundamental change to the system. There should be a clear housing strategy to ensure crucial housing and infrastructure decisions are made by independent experts who are held to account to overarching strategic goals,” Mr de Silva said.

For a detailed look at Master Builders’ position on zoning in Victoria, please refer to our submission to the Residential Zones State of Play.