The state government has announced on January 25 that it has reached a milestone, with the backlog of housing approvals more than halfway cleared.
Since handing down the Housing Statement, 60 per cent of the 1400 planning permit applications for townhouses or apartments that had been sitting for more than six months waiting for a decision have been cleared, they said.
In total, the approved developments represent 2826 new dwellings. The state government also said it is clearing the path for more housing by fast-tracking approvals, turning well-located underused land into quality housing that’s close to public transport, jobs and critical services.
Premier Jacinta Allan said having planning applications sitting in the system won’t help anyone.
“Since September, we’ve already cleared over half the backlog so more Victorians can live close to great jobs, public transport and services,” she said.
“Just at this one location, you can see how we are clearing the permits backlog, clearing the pathway for new housing, and building more social and affordable housing across Victoria.”
With the new zone in place, the planning minister has approved a development plan to guide future land use and keep the development appropriate.
More than 2500 square meters of publicly accessible open space and pedestrian links will be developed, while retaining the site’s mature trees.
Additionally, as part of the Big Housing Build, Homes Victoria is currently developing land adjacent to this site for 206 new one, two and three bedroom social and affordable homes- and it’s nearing completion.
Together, the two developments will create a new 2.6 hectare precinct of integrated development with social, affordable and market housing.
