Strategic Planning

Preston Market Precinct

In 2017, the State Government’s Victorian Planning Authority was tasked by the Minister for Planning with reviewing and updating the planning controls for the Preston Market Precinct. The Precinct (which includes the market) is privately owned and has been designated as a Strategic Site with the ability to accommodate new homes, jobs and infrastructure.

Council has been working intensively over the last three years to understand what the community loves most about Preston Market and advocate for what is most important to protect.

There are several steps to go before any new planning controls will be decided by the Minister for Planning, however in August 2020, the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) announced that the Preston Market project would be fast-tracked. Council were not notified of this decision beforehand.

Council will continue to advocate for the best outcome for the community at every stage of this new process, including commenting on the State Government’s draft plans when these are released by the Victorian Planning Authority.

Find out more here.

 

The Northland Urban Renewal Precinct

The Northland Urban Renewal Precinct (NURP) is located in East Preston, and is generally bounded by Albert Street, Bell Street, Murray Road and the Darebin Creek to the east. Planning for NURP has focused on responding to need to diversify the Northland Activity Centre and identified opportunities to accommodate population growth and increase employment in part of the Preston East Industrial Precinct. The working vision for the precinct, informed by significant community and stakeholder engagement, envisaged substantial land-use change and renewal, with a mix of uses including residential.  

Current status: Significant changes in economic conditions and State planning policy on industrial land in metropolitan Melbourne has disrupted the original planning for NURP. Council will need to review significant parts of the work completed to date and undertake further strategic economic work to understand the scope of opportunity for the area. The Melbourne Industrial and Commercial Land Use Plan (MICLUP) identifies NURP as a regionally significant industrial area that should be retained for employment uses. The existing vision for NURP, particularly the extent of the precinct will have to be reconsidered, particularly once the longer term economic and planning impacts of COVID-19 are understood.

Council will consider this work in future years, though not in the current or 2020/21 financial years due to other pandemic recovery priorities. 

Amendment C170dare - Development Contributions Plan

Council has prepared a new municipal wide Development Contributions Plan (DCP) to be implemented through the Darebin Planning Scheme.

A DCP establishes a levy on new development to contribute to providing the infrastructure required to service our growing population. It is prepared and implemented to ensure that the cost of new or upgraded infrastructure is equitably shared between developers and the wider community.

Darebin’s existing DCP is no longer collecting contributions but remains in the planning scheme to allow remaining levies previously collected to be expended on the development of the Darebin Multi-Sport Stadium (MSS).

Council is proposing to introduce the new DCP into the Darebin Planning Scheme through Amendment C170dare.

The exhibition period for Amendment C170dare - Development Contributions Plan closed on 14 December 2020.

A Council meeting was held on 22 March 2021 where Council considered all submissions and resolved to request that the Minister for Planning appoint an independent Planning Panel to consider Amendment C170dare

An independent planning panel has been appointed to consider Amendment C170dare. The first step of this process is a Directions Hearing which takes place before the Main Hearing.

Directions Hearing - Planning Panel: 16 April 2021

Due to COVID-19 and the associated physical distancing requirements, the Directions Hearing for Darebin Planning Scheme Amendment C170dare will proceed by video conference at 10am on Friday 16 April 2021.

Parties to the Hearing have been contacted by Planning Panels Victoria regarding these arrangements. The Panel will hear this matter in an open forum, consistent with its obligation to conduct hearings in public.

To observe proceedings, you can access the live stream at Darebin C170dare - Directions Hearing. If you have any questions, please contact Planning Panels Victoria at planning.panels@delwp.vic.gov.au

As with in-person hearings, please be advised that the Hearing must not be recorded in any part or in any way without permission from the Panel. This includes audio and video recording.

Main Hearing - Planning Panel

The Main Hearing has been preliminarily set for May 2021, subject to confirmation by Planning Panels Victoria. Submitters to the amendment will have a chance to have their say at the Panel hearing. Details for the Main Hearing will be published here when they are available.

 

 

Amendment C186dare - Open Space Levy

The exhibition period for the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C186dare - Open Space Levy closed on Monday 16 December 2019.

 

The amendment is now at the Planning Panels stage of the Planning Scheme Amendment process.

 

Everyone who made a submission to the planning scheme amendment will be advised by Planning Panels Victoria (PPV) about the next steps in the planning scheme amendment process.

 

You can find out more information on Amendment C186dare, please visit the YourSay website.

Access to open space is essential to health and wellbeing. Melbourne's population is increasing – more people are living in higher density dwellings and the amount of open space we have per person is decreasing. People living in apartments and in subdivided blocks have access to less open space now than we traditionally had in larger house blocks.

Council is proposing to increase the open space levy to ensure Darebin continues to be a great place to live. Council will use the Open Space Levy to improve the existing open spaces and increase open space within Darebin.

Amendment C186 proposes to increase the public open space contribution rate for all subdivisions by amending the schedule to Clause 53.01 (Public Open Space Contributions and Subdivision) and associated changes to Council’s Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS).

You can find out more information on Amendment C186dare, please visit the YourSay website.

  
Amendment C161 - Fairfield Village Built Form and Heritage Controls

Proposes to implement the Fairfield Village Built Form Guidelines, 2017 and the Fairfield Village Heritage Assessment, 2017 by applying a new Design and Development Overlay, new Heritage Overlays, correcting minor zoning and overlay anomalies and updating and relevant policy references in the Local Planning Policy Framework.

Amendment C161 was exhibited and submissions accepted from 17 May 2018 until 18 June 2018.

At its meeting on 23 July 2018, Council resolved to refer submissions to an independent planning panel for consideration.

Following the panel hearing an  independent Panel report was received by Council in December 2018.

Council at its meeting on 24 June 2019 resolved to adopt Amendment C161 with the changes presented to the Amendment documentation in response to the independent Panel recommendations.

In accordance with statutory process the Amendment will now be forwarded to the Minister for Planning for determination.  

A copy of the Council meeting agenda and minutes can be viewed at www.darebin.vic.gov.au

Visit the Our Fairfield Village consultation hub at www.yoursaydarebin.com.au/our-fairfield for full details of the amendment.

 

Enquiries: planningservices@darebin.vic.gov.au or call 8470 8768.

 

 

Amendment C167 – Showers Street Built Form Controls

Implements the ‘Showers Street Design Guidelines – Background Report (2018)’ into the Darebin Planning Scheme.  This includes making changes to a number of existing schedules to the Design and Development Overlays which applies to the area and the inclusion of a new Schedule 22 for 22-50 Showers Street and 19-45 Showers Street Preston.  Amendment C167 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme 12 November 2020.

• Viewed approved Amendment C167 documents

 For more information about Amendment C167 visit the project webpage on yoursaydarebin.com.au

Amendment C180 - Walker Street Public Housing Estate
Ministerial Amendment which facilitates renewal of the Walker Street Public Housing Estate in Northcote. The amendment includes the rezoning of the site to Mixed Use Zone, application of the Development Plan Overlay, Parking Overlay and makes the Minister for Planning the responsible authority for the Estate. Approved and came into effect on 29 March 2018.

• View approved Amendment C180 documents

Amendment GC34 - Melbourne Water updates to flood overlays
Amends the Special Building Overlay (SBO) and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) maps in the Darebin and Moreland municipalities to remove properties from the overlays which are no longer subject to flooding in the 1 in 100 year storm event, in accordance with updated Melbourne Water flood modelling data.  Approved and came into effect on 01 February 2018.

• View approved Amendment GC34 documents

Darebin and Manningham Amendment GC42 - Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Local Planning Policy
Introduces an Environmentally Sustainable Development local planning policy into the Darebin and Manningham Planning Scheme on an interim basis until 30 June 2019. Amendment GC42 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin and Manningham Planning Scheme 31 August 2017.

• View approved Amendment GC42 documents

For more information visit the Amendment GC42 webpage on yoursaydarebin.com.au, the Planning Services Online Consultation hub at:

• Amendment GC42 - Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Local Planning Policy

Amendment C160 - Preston Market Interim Controls
Replaces Schedule 1 to Clause 37.06 (Priority Development Zone) with a new schedule to introduce mandatory height controls to the existing footprint of the Preston Market site on an interim basis until 30 June 2019. Approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme 11 August 2017.

• View approved Amendment C160 documents

Amendment GC64 - Surplus Government Land Rezoning
Rezones the former Lakeside Secondary College site at 31 Radford Road Reservoir from Public Use Zone 2 to part Industrial 1 Zone and part Public Park and Recreation Zone. Rezones the former Ruthven Primary School site at 74-76 Glasgow Avenue, Reservoir, from Public Use Zone 2 to Public Park and Recreation Zone. Approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme 30 June 2017.

• View approved Amendment GC64 documents

Amendment C137 - Plenty Road Land Use and Urban Design
Implements the land use and built form directions of the Plenty Road Urban Design Framework 2013. This includes rezoning of some properties fronting Plenty Road and on side street corners, application of design and development overlays to guide future development along the entire corridor including the Junction precinct, application of environment audit overlays and updated local planning policies.

Amendment C137 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme 1 June 2017.

• View approved Amendment C137 documents

For more information about Amendment C137 visit the project webpage at yoursaydarebin.com.au, the Planning Services Online Consultation hub.

Amendment C153 -  Corrections to Residential Growth Zones Schedules
Corrections to Schedules 2, 3 and 5 to the Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) to ensure setback and boundary wall requirements are consistent with the Residential Built Form Guidelines, 2014 reference document.  Approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 9 February 2017.

• View approved Amendment C153 documents

Amendment C136 - St Georges Road Land Use and Urban Design
Implements the land use and built form directions of the St Georges Road Urban Design Framework 2013. This includes rezoning of some properties fronting St Georges Road and on side street corners, application of design and development overlays to guide future development along the entire corridor, application of environment audit overlays and new and updated local planning policies.

Amendment C136 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 15 September 2016.

• View approved Amendment C136 documents

For more information about Amendment C136 visit the project webpage on yoursaydarebin.com.au, the Planning Services Online Consultation hub.

Amendment C148 - Extension of Darebin Development Contributions Plan 2004-14
Amends Schedule 1 to the Development Contributions Plan Overlay (DCPO1) and the Incorporated Document City of Darebin Development Contributions Plan, June 2004 to provide a mechanism to expend unspent funds following completion of the collection period of the Darebin Development Contributions Plan 2004 in June 2014. The amended DCP facilitates the expenditure of the unspent funds on the Outdoor Multi-Sports Stadium project which will have a municipal wide benefit.

Amendment C148 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 5 May 2016.

• View approved Amendment C148 documents

Amendment C147 - Residential Growth Zone
Applies the Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) to specified land in the Northland Urban Renewal Precinct, Reservoir, Fairfield and Preston Central, along with Design and Development Overlays and updates to local planning policies.

Amendment C147 was referred to the Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee for consideration. The Amendment was exhibited in October 2014 and a public hearing of submissions held in November 2014. The proposal was approved by the Minister for Planning in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 15 October 2015. 

• View approved Amendment C147 documents

Amendment C144 - New Residential Zones Stage 1
Applies the new Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) and General Residential Zone (GRZ) to local areas across the municipality as the first step in a staged implementation of the new residential zones in Darebin. 

Amendment C144 was referred to the Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee for consideration. The Amendment was exhibited in April 2014 and a public hearing of submissions conducted in May 2014. The proposal was approved by the Minister for Planning in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 30 October 2014. 

• View approved Amendment C144 documents

Amendment C138 - Local Planning Policy Changes
Replaces the existing Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) at Clause 21 of the Darebin Planing Scheme with a new format MSS. The new MSS  includes provisions for the implementation of the Darebin Housing Strategy 2013, Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy 2013 and Reservoir Structure Plan 2012. Amendment C138 also includes updates to local planning policies at Clause 22.

Amendment C138 was approved and came into effect in the Darebin Planning Scheme on 15 October 2015.

• View approved Amendment C138 documents

Looking for an Amendment that is not listed here?  A complete history of amendments to the Darebin Planning Scheme is available online from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning at http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/updates-and-amendments

See the Recycling calendar. 

Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy 
The Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy responds to Darebin’s vibrant, changing economy and the need to better support businesses, industry and jobs. The Strategy provides a framework for industrial, retail and commercial land use in Darebin over the next 20 years.  

• Darebin Economic Land Use Strategy 2014
• Literature Review and and Background Report

Darebin Housing Strategy
The Darebin Housing Strategy is helping make Darebin fairer, more liveable and sustainable. The Strategy addresses current needs for affordable housing; population growth and development pressure, and the need to protect Darebin’s unique heritage and natural environments.

• Darebin Housing Strategy 2013 (Revised 2015)

High Street Study
High Street is the spine of Darebin and one of the longest, vibrant commercial strips in Melbourne. The High Street Study will improve community and transport links along High Street creating vibrant, liveable communities.

• High Street Precinct Guidelines
• High Street Study Urban Design Framework

Junction Urban Master Plan
The Junction Urban Master Plan will transform the existing Junction Precinct in Preston into a place that is green and attractive with a unique urban character. The Plan focuses on re-claiming public spaces, developing businesses and communities and making the Junction more liveable.

• Junction Urban Master Plan and Reference Document

Northcote Structure Plan
The Northcote Structure Plan outlines how Northcote can grow and remain a great place to live, work, shop and relax. The Plan was developed with considerable community consultation and is a key product of the Northcote-Place Making Project undertaken in 2007. It developed a shared vision for Northcote owned by the community, key stakeholders and Council.

• Northcote Structure Plan

Preston Central Structure Plan
Preston Central is one of the largest traditional, multi-dimensional activity centres in northern Melbourne and a major focus for business, shopping, community, culture and recreation. The Preston Central Structure Plan guides land use and development to enable a mix of land uses which stimulate economic growth and maintain the regional significance of the centre, and provide well designed housing and improved streetscapes for residents and visitors.

• Preston Central Structure Plan

Reservoir Structure Plan
Multicultural, open hearted and ‘beautifully ordinary’ the suburb of Reservoir is ready to shine. The Reservoir Structure Plan is a 20 year Plan to make Reservoir a more connected, diverse and attractive place with upgraded services, facilities, transport, public space, buildings and environment.

• Reservoir Structure Plan

St Georges Road and Plenty Road Corridors Urban Design Framework
St Georges Road and Plenty Road are in transition as Darebin grows and evolves as a popular place to live. The Framework sets clear directions for residential and mixed-use growth along the corridors with an emphasis on achieving well-planned intensification through high quality design responses.

•  St Georges Road and Plenty Road Corridors Urban Design Framework

 

Looking for another document?  Try the Darebin Planning Scheme Reference and Incorporated Documents or the Council Strategies sections.

Doing research or needing statistics? Visit the Facts and Figures section for demographic profiles, projections and other useful data and research on the City of Darebin and its suburbs.