State announcements shape Camberwell Junction's new planning controls

The Victorian Government introduced new planning controls for the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre on 11 April 2025, establishing a Built Form Overlay that sets height and setback limits consistent with the Council’s adopted Structure and Place Plan.

State Government Framework Introduced

These controls included the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone, which permits residential building heights of up to 21.5 m, or six storeys, on sites larger than 1,000 m² with a minimum 20 m frontage in Zone 1, and up to 13.5 m, or four storeys, in Zone 2. The changes followed years of planning work aimed at directing growth toward transport and services.

Council Meetings and Expressed Concerns

City of Boroondara councillors received reports on the state government’s Camberwell Junction plans at meetings on 2 September 2025 and 7 October 2025. At these sessions the Council recorded deep concern over inadequate consultation and the expanded development zones that the new controls introduced.

Long-Running Development Disputes

One prominent example of the tensions that preceded the 2025 controls is the 12-storey commercial and residential development at 699 Burke Road. This proposal received approval from the City of Boroondara only after an eight-year dispute involving developers, residents and council.

Population Targets in the Activity Centre Plan

The Camberwell Junction Activity Centre Plan sets out a long-term vision for population growth from approximately 2,500 residents in 2021 to 5,800 by 2051, which would require 1,500 additional homes located closest to transport and services. The 11 April 2025 controls represent the latest step in aligning local planning rules with that earlier strategic direction.

Next Steps for Residents and Applicants

Property owners and developers considering proposals within the activity centre can review the Built Form Overlay requirements through the City of Boroondara planning portal and the Victorian Government planning resources listed in the official announcements. Council will continue to assess individual applications against the new height and setback provisions.