Thursday, 15 August 2019

In reply to  Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (19 June 2019)

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

Amendment C159 to the Kingston Planning Scheme allows for the urban renewal of the 6.3 hectare former industrial site. This site was formally designated for strategic high-density residential development in the Highett Structure Plan 2006, prepared by Kingston City Council.

The current Development Plan Overlay for the site requires the provision of 11.6 per cent of the site for dedicated public open space. A much larger percentage of the land will be used for pedestrian and cycling paths, landscaped areas, tree protection zones, private open space, street network and road reserves, footpaths, communal car parking areas and the heritage chimney protection area. The remaining area of the site can accommodate built form.

The Development Plan Overlay controls ensure that any future development must be of high urban design quality, have appropriate articulation and scale proportions, be appropriately setback from sensitive interfaces and provide active frontages to the public realm which will restrict the amount of land that can be developed for residential uses.

The local community and key stakeholders were given formal opportunity to have their views on the proposal heard through the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee process in 2018. The independent advisory committee considered all submissions before providing their recommendation to me and I approved the amendment as recommended. All future development at the site must be approved by Kingston City Council as responsible authority.