Proposed Amendment C224gdan Introduces GRZ Schedule 3 for Transition Areas in Dandenong

Proposed amendment C224gdan introduces GRZ Schedule 3 for Transition Areas in Dandenong. The schedule reduces minimum private open space from 50 square metres to 40 square metres and secluded space from 30 square metres to 25 square metres, with a minimum dimension of 3 metres instead of 5 metres.

Residential Zones Governing Development

Greater Dandenong’s residential development is governed by three zones. The Residential Growth Zone supports high-density growth near activity centres. The General Residential Zone covers incremental change in transition areas. The Neighbourhood Residential Zone maintains lower-density housing. Residents in transition areas fall under the General Residential Zone where the new schedule applies.

In Central Dandenong, declared as the Project Area, the Minister for Planning assesses permits for buildings of 4 or more storeys, 60 or more dwellings, or projects exceeding 10,000 square metres gross floor area. This process bypasses local council approval for those larger proposals.

Approval Pathways and Overlays Affecting Projects

The Townhouse and Low-Rise Code provides a deemed-to-comply pathway for faster approvals. It covers 2 or more dwellings on a lot up to 3 storeys, including townhouses and apartments. Design and Development Overlay schedules regulate built form in activity centres. Heritage Overlay and Environmental Significance Overlay restrict development to protect cultural or environmental assets.

These rules shape where and how new housing can proceed. Residents near activity centres may encounter Design and Development Overlay requirements on building height and form. Areas with Heritage Overlay or Environmental Significance Overlay face additional limits on what can be built to preserve existing features.

The government says the policy will streamline some approvals while maintaining zone-based standards. Residents considering redevelopment on their properties can review the specific zone applying to their land to determine which open space dimensions and approval routes apply. Further details remain available through the listed planning scheme documents.