The Victorian government will legislate to protect the backyard in new developments. However, in doing so, they will remove the cap on the number of dwellings on a site.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria president, Joseph Walton says the REIV supports the government’s changes to Plan Melbourne.
With Melbourne’s population expected to grow by more than 100,000 residents every year, the REIV says the allowance for greater density, particularly in middle-ring suburbs, is welcome.
“The REIV supports the Government’s new initiatives, in particular increases to mandatory maximum height limits in general residential zones.”
“These changes will add significantly to the overall housing supply in popular metropolitan locations, with these areas benefiting from established amenities and infrastructure,” he said. “Increased housing supply is essential in ensuring Melbourne is able to accommodate our growing population,” he said.
Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, announced the changes in March, follow a review of Melbourne’s suburban residential zones. The changes are directed at ‘protecting suburban character’, while at the same time allowing suburbs to develop and grow.
Some of the main changes are:
- There will no longer be a cap on how many dwellings can be built on a block.
- Developments must have a mandatory percentage of garden space.
- Blocks between 400-500 square metres require a 25 per cent minimum garden area.
- Blocks between 501-600 metres need 30 per cent.
- Blocks larger than 650 square metres must have a 35 per cent garden area.
- Increase the mandatory maximum height limit from 9m to 11m in middle-ring suburbs.
“These are once-in-a-generation changes to suburban residential zones and are all about protecting the much-loved Aussie backyard,” said minister for planning, Richard Wynne.
We’re ensuring “Victoria has plans to cater for population growth, deal with climate change, and deliver a record pipeline of infrastructure,” said Wynne.