http://mobile.news.com.au/national/safe-as-houses/story-fndo4cq1-1226422941351
SUBDIVISIONS will be banned and much-loved big backyards protected under sweeping changes to save the family character of Melbourne neighbourhoods.
The biggest reform of planning controls in 30 years will see suburban neighbourhoods filled with sprawling family plots declared off-limits to new developments by the Baillieu Government today.
But less traditional residential areas will be thrown open for more apartments, small blocks and higher-density developments under planning zones intended to set clearer controls for councils about where and what sort of buildings will be allowed.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the strictest of the three new zones, the Neighbourhood Residential Zone, allowed councils to cap the number of homes allowed in an area as well as the size, height and lot size.
"This zone says, 'We are going to keep the backyard'," Mr Guy said.
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"It is going to protect those areas of Melbourne which have strong neighbourhood character, to say there are areas where we can grow, and areas where we cannot."
The zoning changes explained in detail
A General Residential Zone will be created to mix "modest" new unit and townhouse developments in among existing homes, with councils having flexibility to approve taller or varied buildings.
Development will be pushed into the new Residential Growth Zone centred on areas such as train stations and shopping strips, where small blocks, high-density townhouses, with underground carparking, will be encouraged.
Areas earmarked for growth will also allow homes to be built without council approval on any lot bigger than 80sq m.
Eastern suburbs mum Jane loves her big backyard.
"We used to live in a townhouse with a tiny courtyard and the kids always seemed to be under my feet," she said. But her twins, Walter and Jemima, love their new leafy play space.
REZONING BY STATE GOVERNMENT
WHAT'S NEW
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE
Aim: Preserve character while allowing modest growth
Where: Most areas
Size: To Rescode standard
What: Mixture of single dwellings, villas, townhouses
Height limit: 9m except with council approval
W
NEIGHBOURHOOD RESIDENTIAL ZONE
Aim: Restrict growth in preservation areas
Where: Single dwellings prevail, areas of recognised character, environmental or landscape significance
Size: To Rescode standards
What: Single dwellings, some dual occupancy, councils can allow more than two dwellings
Height limit: 9m except with council approval
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH ZONE
Aim: Enable growth and diversity
Where Activity centres, eg railway stations
Size Up to three storeys
What: Townhouses, flats with underground parking
SUBDIVISIONS will be banned and much-loved big backyards protected under sweeping changes to save the family character of Melbourne neighbourhoods.
The biggest reform of planning controls in 30 years will see suburban neighbourhoods filled with sprawling family plots declared off-limits to new developments by the Baillieu Government today.
But less traditional residential areas will be thrown open for more apartments, small blocks and higher-density developments under planning zones intended to set clearer controls for councils about where and what sort of buildings will be allowed.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the strictest of the three new zones, the Neighbourhood Residential Zone, allowed councils to cap the number of homes allowed in an area as well as the size, height and lot size.
"This zone says, 'We are going to keep the backyard'," Mr Guy said.
Advertisement
"It is going to protect those areas of Melbourne which have strong neighbourhood character, to say there are areas where we can grow, and areas where we cannot."
The zoning changes explained in detail
A General Residential Zone will be created to mix "modest" new unit and townhouse developments in among existing homes, with councils having flexibility to approve taller or varied buildings.
Development will be pushed into the new Residential Growth Zone centred on areas such as train stations and shopping strips, where small blocks, high-density townhouses, with underground carparking, will be encouraged.
Areas earmarked for growth will also allow homes to be built without council approval on any lot bigger than 80sq m.
Eastern suburbs mum Jane loves her big backyard.
"We used to live in a townhouse with a tiny courtyard and the kids always seemed to be under my feet," she said. But her twins, Walter and Jemima, love their new leafy play space.
REZONING BY STATE GOVERNMENT
WHAT'S NEW
GENERAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE
Aim: Preserve character while allowing modest growth
Where: Most areas
Size: To Rescode standard
What: Mixture of single dwellings, villas, townhouses
Height limit: 9m except with council approval
W
NEIGHBOURHOOD RESIDENTIAL ZONE
Aim: Restrict growth in preservation areas
Where: Single dwellings prevail, areas of recognised character, environmental or landscape significance
Size: To Rescode standards
What: Single dwellings, some dual occupancy, councils can allow more than two dwellings
Height limit: 9m except with council approval
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH ZONE
Aim: Enable growth and diversity
Where Activity centres, eg railway stations
Size Up to three storeys
What: Townhouses, flats with underground parking
