Future high-rise development on the Port Phillip Woollen Mill site in Williamstown will be capped at 25 metres or about eight storeys after the planning minister approved a Hobsons Bay council planning scheme amendment.
Richard Wynne on Friday announced he had approved the amendment which also requires the developer to make contributions for new local infrastructure and prepare a coastal hazard vulnerability report.
He said the amendment supported council and community views to ensure the 60 per cent of the site yet to be developed had mandatory height controls.
“Local residents of Williamstown have been campaigning against the development of a series of high-rise properties on this site,” Mr Wynne said.
“This is about listening to that community to ensure we build healthy, vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods.
“This government encourages smart growth and development which enhances our suburbs rather than destroying their character.”
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan, who had given a pre-election promise that an Andrews Government would support any planning scheme amendment put forward by the council, described the move as a victory for the council and community.
“In Opposition, we pledged our commitment to the people of Williamstown’s right to have their say in how their suburb in developed and we have delivered on that promise,” he said.
‘This is a victory for common sense’
“Finally, the people of Williamstown have certainty and it’s thanks to their efforts, along with Hobsons Bay City Council, who have advocated for the good of their neighbourhood.
“This is a victory for common sense.”
The “victory” comes too late to stem high-rise development on 40 per cent of the site which has already gained planning approval.
Evolve Development won several appeals in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to proceed with the first two stages of its development, most recently gaining approval for a 128-dwelling 10-storey tower.
Evolve has sold the $350 million development, which extends over several blocks, to property developer AVJennings.
The amendment will come in to effect as soon as notice of its approval is published in the weekly government gazette.
Strand Ward councillor Peter Hemphill applauded the state government’s decision.
“The irony is that these are the same height controls and developer contributions that were recommended by a ministerial Port Phillip Woollen Mill advisory committee back in May 2011, when they spent more than 15 days listening to heritage, traffic and urban design experts to reach the same independent decision,” he said.
“These new mandatory height limits will give certainty on maximum height for the remaining planning applications, but unfortunately these mandatory heights can’t be applied to existing planning permits for the former Woollen Mill site.
“We are all aware there is a new owner for the site and I hope this new owner can work with Council and the Williamstown community more constructively than the last.
“The last owner was quite keen to horse-trade with historic icons like the Nugget Factory and I hope the new owner will consider new development plans that will better preserve history and fit in more appropriately with the existing character of Williamstown.”
