By Goya Dmytryshchak
New residential zones allowing development of more than four storeys in some Hobsons Bay neighbourhoods have been released for community feedback.
The council must implement the new zones, which were introduced by the state government to manage residential growth.
Hobsons Bay’s population is expected to grow from 95,395 to 112,462 by 2036, equating to a demand for about 8850 new homes.
Three proposed zones are: neighbourhood residential zone with a two storey limit, general residential zone capped at three storeys, and residential growth zone with a discretionary height of four storeys. Residential growth zones are areas close to stations and activity centres or large strategic redevelopment areas.
In preparing its draft Housing Strategy (including a Housing Framework Plan), the council has updated its Neighbourhood Character Study and Activity Centres Strategy, all of which are now out for public comment.
Six neighbourhood character types have been identified, including the “inner urban” older style typical in Williamstown and “waterfront suburban” along or near the coast. Neighbourhood character will determine the type of development allowed.
Planning portfolio advisory committee co-chair, Cr Michael Grech told last week’s council meeting that people should get involved.
“This is a draft and this is your opportunity to provide feedback,” he said.
The council will have pop-up stalls at:
•Altona train station on Tuesday, October 9 from 7-9am
•Laverton train station on Wednesday, October 10 from 7-9am
•Newport train station on Tuesday, October 16 from 7-9am
•Spotswood train station on Wednesday, October 17 from 7-9am
Drop-in sessions will be held at:
•Altona Gate shopping centre on Saturday, October 20 from 10am-1pm
•Altona Meadows Library and Community Centre on Monday, October 22 from 4-7pm
•Williamstown Town Hall on Thursday, October 25 from 4-7pm
•Newport Community Hub on Saturday, October 27 from 10am-1pm
A community workshop will be held at Hobsons Bay Civic Centre on Monday, October 15 from 6-8pm, with registrations closing Friday, October 12. Feedback closes on November 9.
For more information visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/newzones
