THE new 12-storey building height limit in the Kananook Creek precinct has been slammed by environmentalists.
Last month, planning minister Sonya Kilkenny implemented 12-storey height limits for developments in the area bordered by Wells Street, Beach Street, Nepean Highway, and Kananook Creek. In July she implemented an interim three-storey limit in that area, which expired on 27 October.
The Kananook Creek Association has vocally opposed higher height limits in the Kananook Creek precinct – it has been heavily involved in the “Stop the Great Wall of Frankston” campaign. Kananook Creek Association president Rob Thurley said he was “very disappointed” in the planning minister’s decision.
“This is bad news for the long-planned restoration of the public space in the Kananook Creek precinct in the town centre – creating a showcase for Frankston like the Yarra is to Melbourne,” he said. “Council is aware that the majority of the Frankston community are uncomfortable with high-rise on the waterfront and can claim no community mandate for this outcome.
“If the strategic plan is to better connect the town centre with the waterfront, then building a great wall separating these is a very poor planning outcome.”
The 12-storey height limits were implemented in response to Frankston Council’s metropolitan activity centre structure plan. The structure plan seeks to implement preferred height limits of up to 16 storeys in some areas of Frankston’s city centre. Kilkenny has authorised council to begin public consultation before finally implementing its new plan (“Higher height limits approved” The Times 30/10/23).
The new controls will be tested on two proposals currently awaiting approval at the Victorian Administrative and Civil Tribunal. The fate of plans for a 16-storey building at 438-444 Nepean Highway and a 14-storey building at 446-450 Nepean Highway will be decided by VCAT.
The state opposition has slammed the new height limits. Shadow planning minister James Newbury, said “more than six thousand people in the community petitioned to protect the Frankston foreshore, and the minister has effectively ripped up the petition.”
Sonya Kilkenny was contacted for comment.