Boroondara Council Opposes State Planning Controls Expanding Camberwell Junction Development

On 11 April 2025 the Victorian Government introduced new planning controls for the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre that include a Built Form Overlay and Housing Choice and Transport Zone.

Council Raises Concerns at Key Meetings

The City of Boroondara Council expressed deep concern over the state government's expansion of the development catchment area by 800m. This change permits up to 6-storey buildings in heritage and low-scale neighborhoods. Councillors received reports on the Victorian Government's Camberwell Junction plans at meetings held on 2 September 2025 and 7 October 2025. These sessions allowed officials to review the implications for local areas around Camberwell Junction.

Background Plan Provides Context for Updates

The Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan was adopted by Councillors on 4 March 2024. It now serves as a background document for the new planning scheme. Officials have referenced this plan when discussing how the recent state controls align with or alter prior local frameworks for the activity centre.

Following an eight-year dispute the City of Boroondara voted in June 2024 to approve a new 12-storey commercial and residential tower at 699 Burke Road within Camberwell Junction. This decision occurred before the April 2025 state announcement and forms part of the ongoing record of council actions on development proposals in the area. Officials continue to assess how the new controls interact with such approvals.

Reports presented to councillors outline the scope of the Built Form Overlay and the Housing Choice and Transport Zone. These documents focus on the expanded catchment and its effect on neighborhoods near Camberwell Junction. Council statements emphasize the need to balance state directives with local planning priorities already documented in the 4 March 2024 plan.

Further council consideration of the Victorian Government's Camberwell Junction plans is expected to draw on the same reports reviewed at the September and October 2025 meetings. Residents can review the adopted structure plan and related updates through official City of Boroondara channels for details on how the controls apply to specific sites.