By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
RESIDENTIAL third-party rights in Dandenong’s ‘significant growth’ areas could be further eroded under the state government’s proposed residential zone changes, says a planning expert.
RMIT urban studies academic Michael Buxton said the residential 2 zone (R2Z), which has infuriated residents of MacPherson Street, Dandenong, was used widely across Melbourne.
The zoning deprives residents of third-party rights of appeal and objection to planning applications. Applications aren’t even required to be advertised.
“Wait until the new residential zones proposed by the state government come in — then all bets are off,” Professor Buxton said. “There’s so many as-of-right uses, so much stripping away of third-party rights. The R2Z doesn’t compare to what’s coming.”
Last week, about a dozen residents met Greater Dandenong Council planners to criticise a proposed three-storey apartment in MacPherson Street, Dandenong. Many felt the session was in vain.
Dandenong’s R2Z zone, which includes hundreds of residential streets including MacPherson, Pultney and Hemmings streets, is considered an area earmarked for significant residential development.
Under the “develop at all costs” residential growth zone proposed by the state government, commercial uses — some without a need for a permit — could be allowed, Professor Buxton said. Some of the uses included retail, offices and entertainment.
Comment on the proposed planning zone changes close on September 21. Details: dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/news-and-events/news/have-your-say-on-zones-reform.
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