The state government is facing growing opposition to its proposal for high rise housing around inner-west train stations, with Maribyrnong council joining local residents demanding building height limits be lowered.
In draft plans released by the state government last month, apartment buildings of up to 12 storeys would be permitted along Barkley Street as part of the housing activity zone around West Footscray station, while a maximum of six storeys would apply along Victoria Street in Seddon as part of the Middle Footscray station activity zone.
The limits are substantially higher than the maximum allowed under neighbourhood plans for both suburbs, which Maribyrnong council is now asking the state government to revert to.
In its submission to the housing activity centre program due to be tabled at a meeting on Tuesday night after deadline, Maribyrnong council wants the maximum height allowed in the West Footscray zone cut from 12 storeys to six and Middle Footscray reduced from six stories to four.
The submission, which still needs to be endorsed by council before being sent to the state government, follows a petition launched by a group of West Footscray residents who also want the maximum height allowed along Barkly Street to be cut in half.
The Change.org petition, which had 107 signatures at time or writing, argues 12-storey buildings would overshadow existing homes, parks and streets in the area, reducing winter sun and overall liveability.
The petitioners also want rules around affordability and design to be included and for community feedback to taken seriously, accusing the state government of ignoring their concerns about the proposed height limits during previous consultation.
One of the petitioners, West Footscray resident Steve Khoury, said their opposition was to the proposed height limits, not more housing.
“We support growth and new residents, but 12-storey towers are not the answer,” Mr Khoury said, adding that six storeys had already been identified as the appropriate height limit for the area.
“This would still allow for significant new housing while protecting sunlight, parks, and neighbourhood character.”
A spokesperson for the state government said the government was building more homes near train stations so more people could benefit from the soon-to-open Metro Tunnel.
