New Zones Update: Implementation Underway (Glen Eira)

Last month Glen Eira was the first of Victoria's local governments to implement the new zones, and two weeks ago, transitional arrangement were detailed. Earlier posts have looked at what the new zones will involve, but really, it all comes down to how the zones are implemented - of particular interest are the residential zones (summarised below):

Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ): Overall mandatory building height reduced from 9m to 8m and no more than 2 dwellings allowed on a lot (unless specified in the schedule).

General Residential Zone (GRZ): Includes a default discretionary height limit of 9m (equivalent to three storeys) which can be increased or decreased to a mandatory height limit by each Council.

Residential Growth Zone (RGZ): Includes a discretionary default height of 13.5m (equivalent to four storeys) which can be increased to a mandatory height limit by each Council.  ResCode standards will apply to four storey development.

The GRZ was intended as the 'default' zone, whereas NRZ was intended to protect areas of special, valued character, and RGZ for residential areas on main roads, close to activity centres where more intensive built form could be contemplated.

However, Glen Eira's implementation of the new zones has placed 78% of the municipality in the NRZ zone, limiting these areas to no more than 2 dwellings on a lot, and an 8m height limit.  The implementation was based on Glen Eira's change areas and diversity areas from strategic work undertaken almost a decade ago - you can see the map of the new zones in Glen Eira here.

There have been a number of discussions going around debating the implications of this - some have criticised the Council for adding to sprawl, particularly if other municipalities follow suit.  I think this is debatable.  It raises questions about how this fits with the Metro Planning Strategy discussion paper, which highlights the need to realise the potential of middle ring suburbs to provide more housing and employment opportunities.

Another consideration is that this manner of implementation could limit diversity of the municipality outside of activity centres.  Opportunities for low rise multi-dwelling development in residential areas that exist currently thanks to being well located to shops and services (and in keeping with the existing character) could be lost.  For instance, there are areas in Glen Eira such as along Alma Road, that have an existing character including multi-dwelling development (low rise apartment blocks), and this is the form of development that will suffer.  Under the new zones, remember only 2 dwellings are permitted on a lot, so no more low-rise multi-dwelling development in residential areas like this.  It also shows that the point of the NRZ (to protect character) is not truly being achieved, because it prohibits what exists in the character of the area it seeks to protect.  Important point here: low change does not always equal detached housing.

Aside from considering impacts on housing diversity, character and integration with the Metro Planning Strategy, concerns could also be raised about consultation and State government 'checks and balances' to ensure that Council's have the whole state's best interests at heart - not just their own residents.

Read the media release from Glen Eira here, check out a related Age article here or view Glen Eira's map of the new zones here.

Visions for Thought: Sustainability DC and Melbourne's MPS

So we have already seen a bit of debate on the discussion paper for Melbourne's Metro Planning Strategy (previous post here) which sets vision for Melbourne's future, but with the submission time coming to a close in just over a month, I thought it might be interesting to look at the visions of another city Washington DC.

Washington DC has recently released 'Sustainable DC' which aims for a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable city.

The plan addresses current and future challenges to:

• create jobs and grow the economy while supporting local businesses;
• improve citywide health through clean air and water and access to healthy food and lifestyles;celebrate diversity and improve social through equal access to services and assistance for those who need it most; and
• protect the local environment and global climate for wildlife, ourselves and our future generations.

What I really like about this plan is that alongside each goal is a target (and actions).  In total, there are 31 of these sets of goals and targets relating to visions based on jobs and the economy, health and wellness, equity and diversity and climate and environment.  An example is below (from health and wellness):

Goal: Inspire healthy, active lifestyles for all residents regardless of income, ability, or employment.

Target: By 2032, cut the citywide obesity rate by 50%.

Action: (short term) Expand public park access and programming to promote healthy lifestyles 

through physical exercise. (This is followed by a paragraph on district funding priorities).

Action: (long term) Invest in a public health campaign to promote the benefits of healthy eating and active living.  (This is followed by a paragraph explaining how the district will support this).

As I said, I like to be able to see a tangible target - because it more specifically notes what is sought.  The goals and targets are ambitious, but this is positive, right? After all, they are there to be aspired to.  However, it's important that these targets are well researched and justified, rather than just an arbitrary figure.  I also like that actions are clearly identified, and that they are identified for a range of different time frames.

Back to Melbourne's MPS - our discussion paper is still a draft for discussion - but what will the final version look like? As our plan is in the works, it's worth looking at what other cities have done and are doing, (as well as our own planning history), to make sure we make the most of the opportunity to set the tone for Melbourne's future - if you something you like or dislike in this or other examples - make a submission!

Submissions for the MPS are open til 5pm on the 28th of March.  There's also a major community forum open to the public (though you need to register) on Saturday 2nd of March.  More details can be found here.

Read more on Sustainable DC here.