Policies and initiatives > Direction 1. A more compact city > Policy 1.3

Policy 1.3 - Locate a substantial proportion of new housing in or close to activity centres and other strategic redevelopment sites that offer good access to services and transport

A large number of new dwellings will be required over the 30-year planning period. Current trends indicate that most will be households of fewer people – on average – than today. Melbourne 2030 provides for an increasing proportion of housing to be developed within the established urban area, particularly at activity centres and other strategic sites suitable for redevelopment.

Encouraging higher density development on sites that are well located in relation to activity centres and public transport will:

• provide for the forecast increase in population and households
• ensure the available housing stock better matches changing demand by widening housing choice, particularly in middle and outer suburbs
• support opportunities for a wide range of income groups to choose housing in well-serviced locations
• increase the local population base that supports activity centres and local businesses
• encourage walking, cycling and public transport as viable transport alternatives.

Presently, more than 130 major redevelopment sites have been identified across metropolitan Melbourne with potential for large residential development (more than 100 dwellings) outside activity centres. Additional strategic redevelopment sites will be identified by local planning authorities with government assistance. Locations should be:

• in or around the Central Activities District
• in or within easy walking distance of Principal or Major Activity Centres
• in or beside Neighbourhood Activity Centres that are served by local public transport
• abutting tram, train, light rail and bus routes that are part of the Principal Public Transport Network and close to Principal or Major Activity Centres
• in or near major modal public transport interchanges that are not in Principal or Major Activity Centres
• major redevelopment sites – that is, able to provide 10 or more dwelling units, close to activity centres and well-served by public transport.

Strategic redevelopment sites will be studied in greater detail to identify and provide coordinated responses to any relevant local constraints that could affect the ability to provide more intensive types of residential development. Constraints may include local drainage problems or proximity to busy traffic intersections with excessive noise levels. Heritage aspects will be respected, preserved, and integrated into new development.

The Government will help councils to develop appropriate local planning policies.

Structure planning for new urban development in growth areas should designate suitable sites (with good accessibility to public transport) for activity centres, and should provide for higher housing densities and a mix of housing types around such centres.

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