Following the outcome of Amendment C181, a review was undertaken to identify suitable statutory tools to further facilitate the implementation of the Housing Diversity Strategy. On 3 April 2018, we resolved to seek authorisation to prepare and exhibit Amendment C200.
Amendment C200 sought to change the way residential development is assessed in our established suburbs including:
- Bundoora
- Thomastown
- Lalor
- Mill Park
- parts of Epping
- parts of South Morang.
The amendment introduced a new local planning policy, sought additional canopy trees in new medium density developments and made design changes to improve housing quality and 'backyard spaces'.
From 4 June to 2 July 2018, the community was invited to submit feedback on the proposed amendment. Subsequently, the amendment was approved by the Minister for Planning on 9 May 2019.
Amendment C200 was implemented into the planning scheme via a local planning policy at Clause 22.16, Schedules 4 and 5 to the General Residential Zone (Clause 32.08) and Schedule 1 to the Residential Growth Zone (Clause 32.07).
The amendment is expected to enhance the liveability of neighbourhoods by:
- increasing urban tree canopy coverage to enhance the amenity of residential neighbourhoods, increase community resilience to urban heat island effect, and decrease the cost of living for residents due to the localised cooling effect of trees
- locating the highest level of housing change in proximity to public transport, services and employment which has the effect of reducing carbon emissions, increasing the sustainability of development, reducing transport costs for residents and increasing labour supply for local employers
- encouraging the development of more accessible dwellings in proximity to transport, services and employment, which will allow existing residents of the established areas to 'age in place'.