Thursday, 2 May 2019

Southern Metropolitan Region

In reply to Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (19 March 2019)

Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Planning):

In September 2018, new planning controls were introduced to prevent overshadowing of solar panels by new developments. This change was introduced by Amendment VC148 to the Victoria Planning Provision and applies to all planning schemes in Victoria.

The changes mean that overshadowing of an existing home’s solar panels and solar hot water systems must be considered in planning decisions that will ensure the capacity of an existing rooftop solar facility on a neighbouring property in most areas is not unreasonably reduced.

I understand the ‘Woolworths application’ was refused by Glen Eira City Council and is proceeding to be reviewed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The Woolworths application is within the Mixed Use Zone (MUZ) and Mr Huntly’s property is within the Residential Growth Zone (RGZ). Both the MUZ and RGZ have general decision guidelines about impacts on overshadowing on existing rooftop solar energy facilities. VCAT will be required to have regard to these guidelines.

Following a request from Glen Eira City Council, I approved interim built form controls for the Elsternwick Activity Centre ranging from 2 to 12 storeys in August 2018. This was to prevent inappropriate development occurring in Elsternwick while the council prepares to implement a structure plan for the activity centre and new planning scheme controls on a permanent basis.

The council now has the opportunity to do further work to justify eight storeys for this precinct. I will reconsider the proposed height controls for Elsternwick Activity Centre when the council requests authorisation to prepare and exhibit a planning scheme amendment to implement the controls on a permanent basis.