Petition Future Homes planning permit application ref: P137/205, P1135/2024

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly a Future Homes application at 125 Mountain View Parade, Rosanna 3084, which has been called in by the Minister for Planning. This first of its kind application, proposes a four-storey building comprising 17 apartments, on a quiet suburban street not designed for such density. The site is located beyond the required 800m of a train station, and only marginally within an 800m radius of the shops as the crow flies, but not via conventional public routes. The site's suitability for easily walkable access to amenities is contentious. The Future Homes program, first introduced in 2022, is a failed pilot scheme, implemented without meaningful public consultation on the pilot’s outcome. To date, the program has not resulted in a single approved planning permit, raising serious questions about its effectiveness and practical viability. The scheme has the capacity to drastically and quickly alter neighbourhood character by applying bulk-scale, cookie cutter designs that overwhelm the area. Future Homes also lacks adequate mechanisms for independent oversight, removing third-party rights and limiting the voice of local Councils undermines transparency, fairness and integrity in the planning process.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urge the Minister for Planning and the Governor in Council to reject the Future Homes planning permit application for 125 Mountain View Parade, Rosanna 3084 (ref: P137/205, P1135/2024) and to initiate a comprehensive, transparent review of the Future Homes program — one that includes genuine community and local Council input in shaping the future of our suburban neighbourhoods.