http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/02/18/1108709433710.html
Would be interested to hear the views of those with experience in developing, whether Melbourne 2030 has made planning more problematic or inconsistent as the article seems to imply.
Hi Woodsman,
On the whole, I would say that the intentions of Melb 2030 are good. I particulary like the intentions to prevent urban sprawl and protect Green Wedge areas. Obviously, there are flaws – such as highlighted by VCAT decisions relating to development in “Activity Centres” – and government has not responded well to community pressure to act on these.
In my job, I’m involved in undertaking land rezoning, subdivisions and planning permit applications and I can say that the one definite impact I’ve seen as a result of Melb 2030 is an increase in time taken to respond to all applications.
Also, Green Wedge Zones have created issues due to the 40ha minimum lot size (unless Council schedules say differently). Even a boundary realignment subdivision in a GWZ is gone through with a fine tooth comb.
That’s my 2 cents.
Leila
IMHO there is more of a problem with the application of town planning regulations than the regulations themselves. Development is a hot political issue with local Government, particularly in areas where Save Oour Ssuburbs is active. This leads to a lot of very poor decisions by council, hence the high rate being overturned in VCAT.
I could o on about this all day, but basically the only way the system will be improved is for power to be taken away from Councilors, but this would be political suicide for the State Government and is not going to happen.
Alistair
I have just been chairing an industry conference aimed at big property developers and Melb 2030 was amajor point of discussion.
http://www.lawfinance.com.au/CorporateFinance/050221BlueprintMel/index.htm
We are 2 years into this policy and on the whole the big developers were happy with it.
The delay in its implimentation was blamed on the local councils who have not updated their policies in line with it.
I agree with the others that delays in development applications are due to local counil problems. Alsitair is spot on saying keep local councillors out of the planning process.
Michael Yardney
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FREE subscription http://www.metropole.com.auNoticed the anti-Melbourne 2030 proponents are starting to make some noise through Bob Birrell. (Remember him from uni as author of studies outlining the negative effects of immigration)
Does anyone think they will have some traction with the government and potentially persuade them to change the broad direction of M2030?
Where I operate the local authorities are approving stuff you’d never have got through years ago. I’m talking backyards with second dwellings where the ONLY vehicle access is by means of the old narrow lane separating the blocks, with only a footpath leading to the street!
This is in a designated growth centre.
There is a nationwide shortage of statutory planners and many of those doing the job are just out of college. RESCODE, which we have in Melbourne is wide open to interpretation, so, it all takes a long time.
All in all, a great deal of delay and uncertainty.
For those that owned acreage in res 1 land it made them instant millionaires. I sold a property where the owner paid 180K in 2001 and i sold it for 1.35mill six months ago. Council certainly make it hard as they prefer to overturn large unit developments even if their own town planners are supportive
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