The State Government is undertaking the structure planning process for the neighbourhoods (precincts) around each of the new SRL train stations, including Box Hill and Burwood. The Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) is preparing the Structure Plans and is including community engagement at various stages throughout the project.
Each structure plan will set out a vision and proposals for how the precincts will meet the housing, employment and social infrastructure needs of the growing population anticipated as a result of the SRL project. This may include changes to land uses, building heights and densities, accessibility and additional infrastructure such as open space.
Planning Scheme Amendments will be needed to implement the precinct structure plans for Box Hill and Burwood into the Whitehorse Planning Scheme. The SRLA will undertake the Amendments, which will ultimately need to be approved by the Minister for Planning.
The structure planning process and changes to planning controls are expected to be completed by 2026.
The draft Structure Plans, draft Planning Scheme Amendments, draft Implementation Plan and supporting documents are on display for community comment until 22 April 2025. These documents and further details about the SRLA's timelines and opportunities for involvement can be found on the SRLA website.
Council is also seeking feedback from the Community to help inform its submissions to the SRLA regarding the Project. To provide your feedback to Council please complete the online survey by 30 April 2025.
Council’s initial position on SRL Precinct Structure Planning
Whitehorse City Council is supportive of the transport benefits that will come from the Suburban Rail Loop rail project. However, we want to see robust and transparent processes in place to ensure the associated precinct planning is undertaken with meaningful community input that genuinely influences the outcomes of the project, together with sound urban planning principles relevant to each SRL station precinct.
Council is looking for the changes around the SRL stations in Box Hill and Burwood to be sustainable, logical and clearly justified. This balanced approach recognises the need for growth around the SRL stations while respecting the existing character of and the people who live, work and visit the areas.
Council is continuing to advocate to SRLA to commit to a collaborative partnership with Council to develop the Structure Plans for the Box Hill and Burwood precincts, so that Council can ensure the plans reflect local community needs and give due consideration to open space, environment, amenity, liveability and our local economy.
Declaration of Planning Areas
The Suburban Rail Loop Act (2021) gives the Minister for SRL the power to declare the areas which are to be included within the precincts. These are referred to as ‘SRL planning areas’.
The Minister for SRL declared the SRL planning areas on 4 December 2023. The Box Hill and Burwood maps are shown below and more detailed maps can be found on SRLA’s website, under the ‘Planning area declaration’ heading.
Now that the areas have been declared, SRLA becomes the Planning Authority under the Planning and Environment Act (1987). As a Planning Authority, SRLA can prepare the structure plans and exhibit the planning scheme amendments.
Council continues to be a Responsible Authority and will still assess planning permit applications.
SRL Planning Area – Box Hill
SRL Planning Area – Burwood
Precinct Structure Planning Boundaries
The areas covered by the SRL precinct structure plans are shown on these maps:
SRLA is a Planning Authority under the Planning and Environment Act (1987) for these areas. As a Planning Authority, SRLA can prepare and exhibit the planning scheme amendments to implement the structure plans.
Council continues to be a Responsible Authority and will still assess planning permit applications in the areas.
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