Amendment C203

Project Update: 16 August 2023

Earlier this year the proposed new planning zones and updated rules for Kingston (Amendment C203) were considered by an independent Planning Panel.

At a Special Council Meeting on Monday 14 August, Council adopted Amendment C203 with some of the independent Planning Panel’s recommendations.

Approval is now required from the Victorian Government to adopt the Planning Scheme Amendment that embeds Kingston's Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study, which aim to:

• channel medium and high-density housing to appropriate areas, including activity centres and along Nepean Highway;
• acknowledge the unique characteristics of Kingston’s suburbs;
• encourage a diverse range of housing options to suit changing needs of our local community;
• provide some of the most environmentally sustainable building standards in Victoria; and
• direct key issues including building heights, setbacks and landscaping.

The independent Planning Panel that assessed Council’s proposed new zones was largely supportive of Council’s draft, but did propose a small number of changes.

While Council agreed with some of the panel’s suggestions, it wholeheartedly rejected advice to increase allowed building heights along sections of the foreshore in Mentone and Parkdale from two storeys to three storeys.

You can read our media release here and view the meeting minutes or watch the Special Council Meeting.

Next steps
The Amendment will now be submitted to the Minister for Planning for the final decision. We will keep you up-to-date on the project's progress.

The planning process can be complex and hard to understand, so we've put together this graphic to try and simplify the next steps.

Consultation on Planning Scheme Amendment C203 (18 August 2022)

For several years Kingston Council has been working with our community to develop new residential planning rules. The Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study was adopted by Council in 2021 thanks to your help. New residential zones and overlays will direct key issues including building heights, setbacks and landscaping in our neighbourhoods.

We’re now in the last stages of the long process before the final decision rests with the Victorian Government via Planning Scheme Amendment C203. We’re seeking submissions on Amendment C203 and proposed new planning controls, please lodge your submission by 5pm Thursday 29 September.

Planning Scheme Amendment C203 asks you to carefully consider the proposed changes to your residential zones and overlays and tell us how they affect you.

Why does Kingston need new residential planning controls?

The Victorian Government estimates Melbourne will grow to 7.9 million people by 2051. Our city can’t keep sprawling outwards, so the Victorian Government’s Plan Melbourne sets out how all local Councils will have to take their fair share of the growth. New residential zones and overlays help ensure Kingston is well planned, with any growth directed to the most appropriate areas.

Kingston Council has long-campaigned to see population growth centred around our key activity centres, close to public transport, shops and services to allow us to protect the amenity of our quieter streets.

This information will help Council ensure we absorb our fair share of growth in Kingston, without losing the features we love about our neighbourhoods.

What does Amendment C203 propose?

The amendment proposes to replace existing residential zones with new residential zones across most of Kingston, and new or amended overlays in some areas. The amendment also proposes changes to planning policy. The details of the proposed new zones, overlays and policy can be found in the document library or via this external webpage www.delwp.vic.gov.au/public-inspection

Below is an overview of the three proposed residential zones.

Make a submission

How do I make a submission and what happens next?

• Submissions must be made in writing, and include your name and your contact details
• View our FAQ

Lodge your submission:

• We encourage you to use the online submission form, or alternatively you can lodge your submission by:
  1. Emailing strategicplanning@kingston.vic.gov.au
  2. Writing to us: Strategic Planning, City of Kingston PO Box 1000, Mentone, VIC 3194

Contact us

• Telephone: 1300 653 356 and press 2 for Planning
• Email: strategicplanning@kingston.vic.gov.au