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 said on Friday he had approved an amendment that also required the developer to make contributions for new local infrastructure and prepare a coastal hazard vulnerability report.
Mr Wynne said the amendment supported council and community views to ensure that the 60 per cent of the site yet to be developed had mandatory height controls.
“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 that 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 is developed, and we have delivered on that promise,” he said.
“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 that 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 into 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 on the 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.”
