Build-to-Rent short series | Has the planning scheme caught up?

The Gadens Build-to-Rent short series will focus on emerging property and development issues that affect Build-to-rent (BTR) projects – covering planning, subdivision structuring, fund-through models and management issues.  As BTR projects are increasing in popularity as a result of recent tax changes, we delve into the question of whether the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPPs) are adequately […]

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Greening Melbourne: Amendment C376 Melbourne Planning Scheme (Sustainable Building Design Amendment)

The City of Melbourne has set a goal to hit net zero emissions by 2040. Currently, buildings in the Melbourne CBD account for approximately 66% of the City’s total carbon emissions. By comparison, throughout the rest of Victoria, buildings account for approximately 25% of total carbon emissions. What does Amendment C376 propose to do? Amendment […]

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VCAT returns to in-person planning and valuation hearings

After more than 2 years of online hearings, this week VCAT reintroduced in-person planning and valuation hearings where appropriate. This Gadens planning update provides an overview of what hearings will now be held in person, what we can except in the hearing rooms and the COVID-19 safety measures that have been implemented. What hearings and […]

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Planning agenda set for the suburban rail loop (If it goes ahead)…

The most contentious infrastructure project of the upcoming 2022 state election campaign is the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL). While construction is already underway on SRL East, Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy has promised that a Coalition government would “shelve the SRL”. In the lead up to the polls, this Gadens planning update provides an […]

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Changes to Victorian planning law to support environmentally sustainable developments

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment VC216 (Amendment), with the changes to the Victorian Planning Provisions taking effect from 10 June 2022. What does the Amendment do? The Amendment makes changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all local Planning Schemes to support environmentally sustainable development (ESD) outcomes. For the first time, all local […]

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VCAT Fast Track List for post-permit applications

From 1 July 2022, VCAT will establish a Fast Track List to expedite a number of post-permit applications. These changes are designed to improve the efficiency of VCAT’s procedures and to provide certainty to applicants and developers – particularly after a permit has been secured for a development site. The following applications under the Planning and […]

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Land Use Framework Plans – A new level in Melbourne’s strategic planning framework

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is currently seeking public feedback for newly released draft Land Use Framework Plans. Feedback for the Land Use Framework Plans is open until 24 October 2021 and be done using the following methods by visiting this link. What are Land Use Framework Plans? The Land Use […]

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New priority planning pathways for social and affordable housing development

There is currently a significant affordable housing shortfall in Victoria. Victoria’s Big Housing Build program presents new opportunities for private sector developers to work with Registered Housing Associations to deliver this much needed housing stock. The Gadens Real Estate & Construction Team recently hosted a virtual Boardroom Briefing on the new planning priority pathways for […]

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The new General Environmental Duty – What does this mean for directors?

Victoria’s approach to environmental protection and human health is changing soon. Coming into effect from 1 July 2021, the General Environmental Duty (GED) will be the cornerstone of the new Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (Vic) (EPA Act). The new GED will require all Victorian businesses and individuals to take proactive steps to prevent and […]

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Amendment VC194: Fast track of state and local infrastructure projects

Amendment VC194 (Amendment) was gazetted by the Minister for Planning earlier this week. The Amendment inserts two new particular provisions at clauses 52.30 (State projects) and 52.31 (Local government projects) into the VIC Planning Provisions and all local planning schemes. Fast track of state and local infrastructure projects   The new particular provisions provide planning permit […]

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