The Victorian State Government is taking action to protect the much-loved backyard and keep more garden space in local suburbs.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne announced the changes today, which follow a review of suburban Residential Zones. The review found the zones had been implemented in an inconsistent manner across Melbourne, but the proposed changes will protect suburban character, no matter your postcode.
The changes are linked to the Government’s refreshed Plan Melbourne, a blueprint for ensuring our suburbs develop and grow, but never at the expense of neighbourhood character.
There will no longer be a cap on how many dwellings can be built on a block, but new requirements mean developments must have a mandatory percentage of garden space.
It’s all about giving more Victorians access to the outdoor space that is the cornerstone of great homes, and giving kids more opportunities to form their childhood memories in backyards every day all over the state.
Under new rules, blocks between 400-500 square metres require a 25 per cent minimum garden area, blocks between 501-600 metres need 30 per cent, and blocks larger than 650 square metres must have a 35 per cent garden area.
The former Liberal government’s version of Plan Melbourne failed to address housing affordability, and ignored the need for a long-term plan that allows for growth but prevents over-development.
We’ve listened to councils, industry and members of the public to right those wrongs – and to maintain our renowned liveability.
Plan Melbourne aims to deliver:
- Jobs and services closer to where people live
- A fixed urban boundary
- Sustained investment in infrastructure, such as Melbourne Metro Rail and level crossing removals
- Clarity about where growth can occur in the suburbs
- Responses to climate change by reducing Melbourne’s carbon footprint and growing a green economy
- A greater focus on social infrastructure such as parks
- Well-connected, 20-minute neighbourhoods
The Victorian Government’s plan to change some requirements of the residential zones will improve housing outcomes in our suburbs says the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
The Government’s announcement today that elements of the residential zones will be amended is seen as a logical starting point to improve residential planning outcomes.
HIA has argued that the new zone provisions introduced in 2014 have had the effect of limiting the design of new homes together with restricting the location of small medium density developments.
