The City of Stonnington is calling on the Victorian Government to work with councils on the implementation of its Housing Statement.
As part of its Statement, the State Government last week announced a raft of changes to planning processes. These include the Planning Minister becoming the decision-maker for significant residential developments that include affordable housing.
Stonnington’s Acting Mayor, Cr Melina Sehr, said local government played an important role in the planning process and the Council hoped the State Government would work with Councils to streamline the system to make it more efficient for all stakeholders.
“We support the Government’s desire to fast-track development to ease Victoria’s housing crisis and to increase affordable housing stock, but that needs to be balanced with preserving the amenity and character of our suburbs,” she said.
“In considering planning applications, Council relies on policy that has been developed in consultation with our community. We know we get better outcomes when our community is part of the process, and this must not change.
“Development must strike a balance between protecting residential amenity and character, which is important to our community, while also having the flexibility required for increased density to support population growth and affordable housing options.”
Stonnington has been planning for housing growth for many years under the Stonnington Planning Scheme, which identifies clear mechanisms for higher levels of development close to services and transport, along with areas designated for limited development. This includes streets with heritage overlays.
“We have been working with the State Government for many years to set planning policy that directs where increased housing supply is to occur to ensure we are meeting agreed growth targets.”
Stonnington reviewed 3097 planning applications over the past two financial years with 98 per cent approved. The majority of planning applications were approved by Council officers under delegation, with only 3 per cent going before Councillors at Council meetings.
Cr Sehr said Stonnington endorsed the government’s commitment to redevelop high-rise public estates but was keen to ensure the project progressed quickly and maximised the number of additional public housing homes available within the municipality. Stonnington has public housing in Prahran, South Yarra and Windsor, with social housing across the municipality.
“We need to ensure we are looking after the most vulnerable members of our community,” she said. “There is significant demand for additional public housing units in Stonnington, along with affordable and social housing, and we look forward to working with the State Government to get the best outcomes for all our residents.”
