Stage 1: Background Review

The background review analysed all relevant information, policies and changes since the original 2003 studies and looked at the demographics of Whitehorse, future population projections and recent development trends.

Stage 2: Draft Neighbourhood Character Statements and Neighbourhood Activity Centre Urban Design Guidelines

Draft Neighbourhood Character Statements were prepared to define character precincts based on existing character and how the area’s character can evolve into the future (called ‘preferred character’).

Draft Neighbourhood Activity Centre (NAC) Urban Design Guidelines were developed including general guidelines and built form guidelines for each NAC which included proposed maximum building heights and setbacks.

Phase 1 Consultation on the Draft Neighbourhood Character Statements and Neighbourhood Activity Centre Urban Design Guidelines took place between March and April 2013.

Stage 3: Draft Housing Strategy, Updated Draft Neighbourhood Character Study and Updated Draft NAC Urban Design Guidelines

The consultation during Stage 2 of the project process fed into the drafting of three documents:

• Draft Whitehorse Housing Strategy
• Draft Whitehorse Neighbourhood Character Study: Preferred Character Statements and Guidelines
• Draft Whitehorse Neighbourhood Activity Centre Urban Design Guidelines  

Phase 2 Consultation on the three draft documents occurred in September/October 2013. Council received over 950 written submissions and more than 250 residents had registered to be kept informed about the project at this point in time. A list of all the main points raised in the submissions can be accessed here:  Phase 2 Consultation Summary Response to Submissions

Stage 4: Preparation of final reports

Council prepared Final Drafts of the three documents. Draft Planning Scheme Amendment C160 was prepared to implement the three documents into planning policy.

Stage 5: Implementation 

Phase 3 consultation took place between 14 February and 14 March 2014 and Council considered the feedback provided by the community at its meeting on 28 April 2014. At this meeting, Council adopted the proposed Amendments C160 and C162 and finalised the three background documents comprising the Housing and Neighbourhood Character Review.

This decision concluded the Whitehorse Housing and Neighbourhood Character Review 2014 and adopted the translation of residential land into the State Government’s New Residential Zones. 

Council then requested the Minister for Planning to consider and approve Amendments C160 and C162  to the Whitehorse Planning Scheme under section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. This process allows the Minister to amend the Whitehorse Planning Scheme with exemption from notice requirements. 

The Minister for Planning approved Amendment C160 (with changes) on 6 October 2014 and the new residential zones came into effect on 14 October 2014.

Council would like to thank everyone who contributed submissions and feedback in preparing and undertaking the Whitehorse Housing and Neighbourhood Review.