Amendment C213 – Student Accommodation Policy

Amendment C213 replaces the existing Student Accommodation Policy at Clause 22.14 with a revised and updated policy. The updated policy seeks to reference an extensive and recent body of work in regards to student accommodation in Whitehorse.

The policy applies to all planning permit applications for use or development of accommodation intended to house students undertaking tertiary study. View more on the Student Accommodation Study page.

A planning scheme amendment is a process undertaken to make a change to the planning scheme. A planning scheme amendment must follow procedures set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and any directions set by the Minister for Planning.

Amendment C213 was exhibited from 29 August until Monday 30 September 2019. No submissions were received during the exhibition period.

Student Accommodation in Whitehorse

The City of Whitehorse is home to two key tertiary institutions, the Box Hill Institute (approximately 37,000 students) and Deakin University (approximately 28,000 students). A number of local and international students reside in Whitehorse and require a range of housing needs and resources.

Council recognises the need to plan for student accommodation, to ensure it meets the needs of the student demographic as well as reducing potential amenity impacts on existing communities. It is widely recognised that students require specialised accommodation with regard to location, design and facilities.

The first Whitehorse Student Accommodation Study was done in 2006. Documents produced as part of this project informed the development of a Local Planning Policy and in June 2009 Amendment C87 was gazetted to introduce a Student Accommodation Policy at Clause 22.14 of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme. This policy applies to all planning permit applications for purpose built student accommodation in the municipality.

After using the existing policy for nearly 10 years, and in light of the growth in the municipality’s student population, it was considered necessary to review the current local policy in the planning scheme and undertake a wider investigation of issues perceived to be associated with accommodation of students in Whitehorse.

A review of student accommodation in Whitehorse has been undertaken and a Background Paper and Strategy have been produced. These documents include and address issues identified throughout the research, analysis and consultation process. The amendment intends to replace the existing Clause 22.14 of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme with a revised and updated Student Accommodation Policy. The outcome of the amendment is a revised policy that addresses many of the planning issues in relation to student accommodation in Whitehorse.

The planning scheme amendment introduces a revised local planning policy that addresses many of the issues raised through the Whitehorse Student Accommodation Review. The planning scheme amendment is supported by the Student Accommodation Strategy – Background Report 2018 and the Student Accommodation Strategy 2018. The revised Student Accommodation Policy at Clause 22.14 addresses many of the planning related issues in relation to Student Accommodation in Whitehorse.

Where does Amendment C213 apply?

The Amendment applies to all land with the Whitehorse municipality.

What does the Amendment do?

The Amendment replaces the existing Student Accommodation Policy at Clause 22.14 with a revised and updated policy. The updated policy seeks to reference an extensive recent body of work that has been completed in regards to student accommodation in Whitehorse.

The policy applies to all planning permit applications for use or development of accommodation in the City of Whitehorse intended to house students undertaking tertiary study.

Approval of Whitehorse Amendment C213

A report providing the results of the public exhibition period was presented to Council at its meeting on 25 November 2019. At the meeting Council determined to adopt the Amendment with minor post exhibition changes and submit it to the Minister for Planning for approval.

Planning Scheme Amendment C213 was submitted to the Minister for Planning for Approval on 23 December 2019.

The Amendment came into effect when the Minister for Planning published Notice of Approval of the Amendment in the Victorian Government Gazette on Thursday 10 June 2021.

Where can I view the amendment documents?

If you have any questions about the Amendment please contact Council’s Planning and Building Department on 9262 6303.

Privacy Statement

_{In accordance with the ‘Availability of Planning Documents’ Practice Note dated July 2016, your personal information is collected by the City of Whitehorse for the purposes of the planning process as set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (PE Act). If you do not provide your name and address, the City of Whitehorse will not be able to consider your submission/objection.}

_{Any submission/objection will be available at the Civic Centre office for any person to inspect and copies may be made available on request to any person until the end of the period during which an application for review of a decision may be made. You must not submit any personal information or copyright material of third parties without their informed consent. By submitting the material, you agree that the use of the material as detailed above does not breach any third party’s right to privacy and copyright. You can request access to your personal information by contacting the Privacy Officer.}

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Amendment C213 – Student Accommodation Policy