AN independent panel has recommended changes to the Endeavour Cove precinct planning controls to limit the height of future developments.
The Patterson Lakes area is currently subject to complex planning restrictions, and has been the site of controversy. In 2021 the Ombudsman probed decisions made by Kingston Council within the precinct, but did not substantiate allegations of corruption. The planning controls at the site came into focus again last year when VCAT determined that no permission would be required to construct a ten-storey building within it.
Kingston Council has since sought to change the planning rules to give itself more control over future developments. Council asked the state government to convene an independent panel to consider potential planning control changes. That panel released its recommendations last week.
The report released by the independent panel read that “building heights should be mandatory in all precincts”. The panel also recommended changes to the height limits submitted by Kingston Council, marginally increasing them in some areas.
The proposed mandatory height limits within the Endeavour Cove range between 9 metres and 20 metres.
The panel recommended that the planning scheme amendment be adopted, subject to its proposed changes. The panel also assessed car parking, planning permit, and landscaping issues.
Kingston mayor Hadi Saab said that council is keen to “update and modernise” the Endeavour Cove planning rules to make them “far clearer and more consistent for the community, council and the land owner.”
“We have been updating and seeking input around this over the past few years. The receipt of the planning panel report marks the next stage of the planning scheme amendment process,” he said. “I would like to thank all members of the community who made submissions to the planning scheme amendment process and to the members of the Patterson Lakes community who have participated in all the processes undertaken by council on The Cove matter to this point.”
Kingston Council is expected to debate the planned C205 planning scheme amendment at its 26 June meeting. If it adopts the planning changes, the state government’s planning minister would then need to provide the final tick of approval.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 24th May 2023