Politics
Whittlesea Council endorses rezoning at 149 McKimmies Road for residential neighbourhood in Bundoora
Bundoora residents in the Whittlesea portion may gain access to new housing including social and affordable units following the December 2024 rezoning decision.
How we reported this
The City of Whittlesea Council endorsed a December 2024 rezoning of industrial land at 149 McKimmies Road, a former quarry, to create a residential neighbourhood of approximately 730 new homes that includes 5% social housing and 10% affordable housing.
Bundoora is split across three local government areas with 45% in Whittlesea, 37% in Banyule and 18% in Darebin, so planning decisions depend on the specific property location within the suburb.
Recent planning activity under Whittlesea
In 2025-2026 Whittlesea recorded 49 planning applications in Bundoora with 26 approved and 0 refused, achieving a 100% approval rate for decided applications and a median processing time of 41 days. A planning permit for a Research and Development Centre at 44 Crissane Road was approved in March 2024, involving reduced car parking and native vegetation removal.
Effects on local residents and services
The rezoning at 149 McKimmies Road is expected to increase the supply of dwellings that incorporate social and affordable components, which the government says will support housing access for residents who rely on such options. The proposed mixed-use development at 1056-1140 Plenty Road, replacing earlier hotel and office plans with dwellings and retail, was called in by the Minister for Planning in March 2025 and referred to the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee, with a public hearing held in May 2025. Residents in the affected areas of Bundoora will see planning outcomes determined through these established local processes.
Further steps for the 149 McKimmies Road site will follow the council endorsement, while the Plenty Road proposal remains subject to the advisory committee process.