Hobsons Bay council recorded a spike in planning applications in May, with developers fearing new residential zones will impact how applications are assessed.
The number of applications in May was 24.5 per cent higher than the previous 12-month average.
Under changes which came into effect on July 1, the state government has combined residential zones one and two into a general residential zone, carrying across existing controls and protections from the previous residential one zone.
But Hobsons Bay mayor Sandra Wilson said the city’s new general residential zone effectively maintained the status quo.
“There may be a perception that the general residential zone may lead to different planning regulations being used to assess permit applications for dwellings and units,” Cr Wilson said.
“This is not the case in Hobsons Bay.”
“Each municipality is approaching the implementation of the new residential zones differently depending on the local circumstances,” Cr Wilson said.
“Hobsons Bay City Council will be listening to the views in the community, looking at our housing needs and understanding neighbourhood identity to ensure we get the right balance between encouraging growth while maintaining local character.’’
