MORE than 9000 new dwellings will have to be built to accommodate Frankston’s growing population, the mayor says.
Frankston Council has begun work on a housing strategy to help guide its planning decisions for the next 15 years. A discussion paper has been released for community consultation.
The discussion paper outlines concerns about dwelling sizes. It read that “if no changes are made to the balance of dwelling sizes over the next 15 years, it is likely that the dwelling needs of the future community will not be met.”
“There is a growing cohort of smaller households within Frankston City. This includes sole person households, elderly households, couples without children, or sole parents with children. These smaller households will grow as the population continues to age,” the report reads. “Currently, Frankston City is dominated by larger, detached houses. These houses may not be suitable for the smaller households. As such, the housing strategy will need to focus on delivering more housing for this growing group, including villa units, townhouses and apartments.”
The housing strategy will divide areas of the Frankston municipality into substantial change, incremental change, and limited change areas. Substantial change areas are expected to include sites “close to or surrounding the FMAC or the Karingal Major Activity Centre and principal public transport routes, where there is a clear opportunity to provide for intensified development,” the discussion paper reads.
Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy said that council needs to prepare for a population boom. “It’s no secret that Frankston is set to become the vibrant capital of the south-east. With growing popularity and new opportunities comes an increased demand for housing. It’s estimated we will need an additional 9000 new dwellings to accommodate our population growth over the coming years,” he said.
“We want to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable housing strategy that meets the diverse needs of our residents. The Frankston City housing strategy discussion paper outlines where new houses should be located, the types of houses that can be built and how the neighbourhoods look and feel. We want to ensure that our neighbourhoods remain unique and reflective of the people who live there. The housing strategy will enhance the character elements of each area and provide a range of housing options for all.”
Frankston Council estimates that the population of the municipality will grow by 20,000 people by 2036.
The housing strategy does not cover the Frankston city centre area. Planning rules for that precinct have been outlined in the FMAC structure plan, which is currently with the planning minister for consideration (“Controversial height limits approved by council” The Times 19/6/23).
Neighbouring Kingston Council has spent more than half a decade shaping its housing strategy. It has received advice on its proposal from an independent planning panel, and is in the process of finalising its planning scheme amendment.
Consultation on Frankston’s housing strategy is open until 3 September. To provide feedback on the discussion paper visit engage.frankston.vic.gov.au/housing-strategy.
First published in the Frankston Times – 25th July 2023