The Victorian Government has announced sweeping reform to the state’s planning zones in a bid to return certainty to councils, residents and the development industry.

 

"Planning zones are the greatest indicator of the style of development for any area. The Coalition Government's sweeping zones reform package aims to give certainty for areas that deserve protection and those identified as growth nodes,” State Planning Minister Matthew Guy said.

 

The proposed reform will see the formation of three new residential zoning areas.

  • General residential zone will allow modest housing growth
  • Neighbourhood residential zone to restrict housing growth while preferencing single dwellings and some dual occupancy
  • Residential growth zone to encourage new mediaum density housing growth

 

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed the proposed reforms.

 

Cr Bill McArthur, President of the MAV, said that the announcements made by the Victorian Government responded to the needs of local communities.

 

“The proposed residential zones will at last make it easier to implement local policy through clear planning controls that specify where certain types of development can occur and what height limits apply,” Cr McArthur said.

 

“Council and community advocacy made new residential zones a priority of the former Government back in 2008 but local government was left frustrated after the reforms stalled. We’re really pleased that Minister Guy has moved to address these matters and offer greater protection for neighbourhood amenity.”

 

“Councils will finally be able to send clear market signals to the development industry, which should reduce conflict in planning. We’re optimistic about the proposed zones and hope their implementation is kept simple.

 

Cr McArthur said the Minister for Planning has also acted to address calls by rural councils about prohibited uses and minimum lot sizes within the farming zone.

 

“Rural councils have been calling for changes to the Farm Zone to remove restrictions affecting farm diversification, a problem confirmed in a 2010 MAV survey.

 

“The proposed rural zone reforms will allow councils flexibility to adapt the zones to suit local circumstances.

 

“Despite the current ability to vary minimum lot sizes, many councils found the time and cost to amend schemes was prohibitive. Removal of the one-size-fits-all approach is a welcome step in the right direction.