We have received the independent panel report and recommendations for Amendment C231 –Queens Parade Built Form Review.
The amendment sets out planning controls for Queens Parade so that we can meet future demands for housing and employment.
The amendment proposes to:
- Introduce a Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 16) into the Yarra Planning Scheme to control heights and setbacks of new development.
- Rezone land on the corner of Smith Street and Queens Parade from Commercial 2 to Commercial 1 which allows for housing to be built
- Apply the Environment Audit Overlay to the land that is proposed for rezoning to manage potential land contamination issues, and
- Update the Heritage Overlay.
The panel has supported the strategic evidence supporting the amendment and the structure and intent of the amendment generally as proposed by Yarra Council at the panel hearing.
A key change being recommended by the panel is a reduction in the building heights over parts of the Queens Parade retail centre (Precinct 4). Other changes being recommended seek to improve the clarity of the amendment.
In summary the Panel considered “that with appropriate design, the larger building scale and height allowed for through Design and Development Overlay 16 at either end of Queens Parade will complement the important heritage narrative of the core activity centre. Coupled with support for the revisions to the Heritage Overlay and the rezoning of land at the corner of Queens Parade and Smith Street, the Queens Parade Activity Centre will provide for significant opportunities to accommodate population and some employment growth in appropriate areas into the future.” The panel recommends Council’s adoption of Amendment C231 subject to its recommended changes.
We anticipate the panel’s report and Amendment C231 will be considered by Council at its meeting on 17 December 2019. Should Council adopt the amendment it would still require final approval by the Minister for Planning.
