Wyndham Vale Approves Taller Buildings, Tighter Lots in Key Zones

Wyndham Vale City Council voted 7-2 on July 2 to raise maximum building heights from three to five storeys in designated growth precincts and shrink minimum lot sizes from 400 square metres to 300 square metres in medium-density zones.

The changes respond to a 14 percent rise in housing applications lodged with the council between January and May this year, driven by population growth along the rail corridor. Planners cited the need to accommodate an extra 8,200 residents by 2031 without expanding the urban growth boundary.

Changes hit specific neighbourhoods first

The new provisions apply immediately to land within 800 metres of Wyndham Vale railway station and along Ballan Road between the station and the Manor Lakes shopping centre. Developers have already lodged two proposals for five-storey apartment blocks on the former industrial site at 45 Ballan Road and on vacant land behind the Wyndham Vale Community Centre. Both projects must now incorporate ground-floor retail and 20 percent affordable units under the revised design code.

Further north, the Skeleton Creek corridor between McGrath Road and the river trail will see lot sizes reduced for townhouse clusters. Council documents show 47 applications currently on hold will be reassessed under the new rules within 30 days.

Numbers behind the shift

Under the updated scheme, permitted density rises from 15 to 25 dwellings per hectare in the affected zones. Median house prices in Wyndham Vale stood at $612,000 in the June quarter, according to CoreLogic data released on July 3. The council estimates the changes could add 1,150 dwellings over the next five years while requiring new buildings to include 30 percent deep-soil planting and no more than 60 percent site coverage.

Residents can view the full amended planning scheme and submit feedback at two drop-in sessions scheduled for July 22 at the Wyndham Vale Library and July 29 at the Manor Lakes recreation reserve pavilion. Final permits under the revised code are expected to be issued from August 15 onward.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.