Brimbank residents will no longer be locked out of consultation on future developments in activity centre zones with the council planning to amend its planning scheme.
Under the current planning scheme for activity centre zones, such as Sunshine city centre, no public notification is required for planning permit applications and there are no third party reviews or appeal rights – meaning a person cannot appeal a council decision.
The public is only consulted if a proposal exceeds the preferred maximum height for the location.
Activity centre zones refer to areas that are a focus for business, shopping, working, housing, leisure, transport and community facilities.
Under a notice of motion at a recent council meeting, the council unanimously supported a change to the scheme, with mayor John Hedditch saying it was important for the community to have more input.
“Our community wants to be notified of any proposed development and needs the right to lodge an objection or seek a review of any council decision on a proposed development that may affect them in an activity centre zone,” he said.
“Often the feedback we receive can help guide council on whether the application should be approved, or if certain changes should be made or conditions apply.”
