HIGHER height limits for developments in Frankston’s city centre have been approved by the planning minister.
Frankston Council’s metropolitan activity centre structure plan was sent to Victorian planning minister Sonya Kilkenny for approval in June. The draft plan outlined “preferred height limits” of up to 54 metres in some parts of Frankston’s city centre. Those limits can be exceeded at council’s discretion.
Last week Kilkenny approved interim 12 storey limits near Kananook Creek and allowed council to commence another round of consultation before implementing its new planning controls.
A state government statement read “the minister for planning has authorised Frankston City Council to go to public consultation on new planning and development controls to implement the Frankston metropolitan activity centre structure plan, ensuring the Frankston foreshore and Kananook Creek provides a place for all Victorians to visit and enjoy.
“Revised interim building controls have been put in place, allowing for the proposed permanent controls to proceed through the amendment process, including public consultation, without the risk of inconsistent development occurring in the interim period. The interim controls include preferred building heights of up to 12 storeys, ground and upper-level setbacks, solar access, design details, activation, access and pedestrian links.”
The interim controls cover the area bordered by Nepean Highway, Beach Street, Wells Street, and Kananook Creek Boulevard. The interim controls are active until 24 April, 2025.
The gazetted change read that the interim 12 storey height limit is consistent with the preferred height limit for that area in amendment C160fran, which seeks to implement the FMAC.
In July, Kilkenny implemented a three-storey height limit for developments within the Kananook Creek precinct. Those interim planning controls expired on 27 October.
The planning minister’s decision could clear the way for two multi-storey developments along Nepean Highway that are currently in the pipeline. Proposals for a 16-storey building at 438-444 Nepean Highway and a 14-storey building at 446-450 Nepean Highway are awaiting final approvals at VCAT.
Opponents of multi-storey development plans along Nepean Highway have been campaigning to “stop the great wall of Frankston” since last year. A petition asking to implement mandatory height limits in the area received more than 5000 signatures, and was handed to Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke.
Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy, a vocal advocate for the implementation of the FMAC structure plan, said the minister’s authorisation is “a landmark moment in our city’s transformation.”
“By providing critical clear direction on land use, building design, housing and accommodation, it will ensure future development not only stays true to Frankston’s culture and character, but also uplifts under-utilised and unloved spaces, and provides better connection to our prized assets of Kananook Creek and the waterfront,” he said. “Thank you to our community for helping to shape the future of Frankston’s city centre. It’s now time to make it happen.”
The Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula advocacy group has also welcomed the decision. Its CEO, Joshua Sinclair, said “the FMAC structure plan will encourage further development in Frankston’s CBD and open up Kananook Creek to the community for everyone.”
“Frankston City Council, the Committee and the Victorian Government all agree Frankston is a great place to invest and develop – and we’re really excited about the future of this great city,” he said.