Wednesday, 1 April 2026

 Rachel WESTAWAY (Prahran) (19:18): (1627) My adjournment this evening is to the Minister for Planning, regarding planning application PA2604170 at 674 High Street in Prahran. The action I seek is for the minister to meet with affected local residents before any final decision is made on this development. A significant number of Prahran residents are deeply concerned about this fast-tracked proposal for a six-storey, 50-unit social housing development. Let me be clear: there is strong community support for the delivery of social housing – absolutely – but that support is contingent on developments being delivered in a way that respects planning controls, neighbourhood character and genuine community consultation. In this case, residents feel the balance has not been achieved. The proposal has bypassed local council oversight and removed residents’ rights to appeal through VCAT. This has left the community feeling shut out of a process that will have a direct effect and lasting impact on their homes and the amenity around them.

There are serious concerns about the scale of the development. It exceeds the expected height and intensity of the residential growth zone and directly abuts single-storey homes without an appropriate transition. Residents are particularly worried about overshadowing impacts on private open space and existing solar infrastructure. Traffic and access issues remain unsolved, and the development proposes just five car spots for a 50-home dwelling – yes, five – with all access via a narrow one-way street called Florence Street. This raises clear safety risks and will place further pressure on an already constrained local road network. Waste management is another unresolved issue. With no onsite loading bay, waste collection and deliveries will occur from the street, increasing congestion and safety risks for residents.

Residents were notified late and have limited opportunity to engage, despite the scale of the proposal and the removal of formal appeal rights. These residents are not asking for the project to be abandoned, they are simply asking to be heard and considered. The minister must meet with them directly to listen to their concerns, to restore confidence in the planning process and to ensure that any outcome reflects both the needs of social housing and the legitimate expectations of our local community.