DEVELOPMENTS up to 18-storeys tall may be allowed in the area surrounding the planned suburban rail loop station in Cheltenham. The Frankston line will link to the suburban rail loop at Cheltenham. The new station, walking distance from the existing Southland Station, will be the first in the rail loop.
The SRL has been given authority to draft new planning guidelines for the precincts surrounding SRL stations. The precincts are roughly equivalent to the 1.6 kilometre area around the stations. Last week, the state government released its plans for the first SRL precincts. The plans show proposed height limits of up to 18 storeys near the new Cheltenham SRL Station.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that planning changes were needed to accommodate the state’s growing population. “Melbourne is growing fast and with the suburban rail loop we’re making room for thousands of new homes in the right places – close to transport, jobs and services,” she said. Suburban rail loop minister Danny Pearson said “we’ve taken on board years of community feedback and this is just the next step in a detailed and proper planning process that involves locals every step of the way.”
Towers of up to 40 storeys could be approved in Box Hill under the SRL’s plan. The state opposition has slammed the proposal – transport infrastructure shadow minister David Southwick said “the suburban rail loop was poorly planned and never properly scrutinised, leaving it with a $21 billion funding shortfall on the first stage alone.” “Now that even the federal Labor government has walked away from the SRL money pit, the Allan Labor government are trying to jam 40-storey towers into residents’ backyards to make up for their mismanagement,” Southwick said.
The Albanese federal government has so far put in $2.2 billion for the project.
Victorian shadow planning minister James Newbury has urged local governments to advocate against the planned changes. “Communities and councils who oppose the Allan Labor government destroying their amenity need to stand up and use their voices before it is too late,” he said.
SRL East, the first section of the planned rail loop, will link the Frankston line at Cheltenham to the Lilydale line at Box Hill via six new underground stations. It is scheduled to be completed in 2035, and is expected to cost upwards of $30 billion.
A planning scheme amendment will still need to be approved before the proposed changes are applied. The final plans are expected to be exhibited at the end of the year. To view the SRL plans visit srleastvisions.com.au
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1st May 2024