Thursday, 14 November 2019

 Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:52): My question is to the Minister for Planning. I refer the minister to the minimum garden ratio component of the neighbourhood residential zone. This was intended to mitigate the removal of the limit of two dwellings constructed per lot. The original intention was to retain 25 per cent to 35 per cent of each separate lot as garden space in a new development. Constituents in Tiuna Grove, Elwood, are very concerned about a VCAT decision known as the Clayton Gardens decision, made in July, which absolutely undermines the intention of the minimum garden ratio. The Clayton Gardens decision now allows multiple lots to be built or combined into what is called a ‘planning unit’ for the purpose of the minimum garden ratio. If it stands, it will have significant negative outcomes for green open space and promote excessive densities in future developments, to the detriment of our neighbourhoods. Will the minister reinstate the original intention of the minimum garden ratio and stop this rort?