Why do I call it a waste? Because the lack of #feasibility means most of the 10 are not areas people would choose to live in an apartment.
The Victorian Planning Authority misunderstands what is driving the (lack of) approvals and delivery:
“The Victorian Planning Authority argued in a draft summary report for the activity centre program that uncertainty among developers about whether housing projects will be approved has stopped Melbourne’s suburban activity centres developing to their full potential.”
Planning uncertainty is n͟o͟t͟ the main issue in these activity centres. It’s the lack of buyer interest in living in this way, at scale, in these locations.
It‘s why 4 of the 10 centres have barely moved since being identified in 1981. Updating colours on plans won’t fix that any time soon.
Deemed to comply provisions will marginally move the dial in the favour of #feasibility. But, being government, expect a lytany of countermeasures to offset that such as: • Mandatory dwelling mixes (1,2, 3 bed ratios) • Mandatory social/affordable housing • “Value capture” provisions • Infrastructure contributions
And, the VPA wants minimum height requirements – which will prevent townhouse development where the government deems that infrastructure should be “maximised”. So even fewer projects will proceed.
These measures will push the ability for industry to delivery apartment projects back even further.
Don’t misunderstand me – I’m incredibly supportive of more deemed to comply provisions and reducing the grounds upon which Councils and or residents can object to development. This is much needed.
And I’d like to see more apartment development – I really would.
I can also do the math and say, with 💯 confidence, that these precincts won’t move the dial on the #housingsupply equation in the next 5+ years.
Progressing these should be far lower down the list of Victorian Government priorities to unlock new homes in Victoria than it is. So much wasted time and effort on things that won’t move the dial.
🤔There are way better ideas than this (I’ve shared more than a few). Anyone got some others?