The Vision for Box Hill

Box Hill is designated as a Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC) under current state policy 'Plan Melbourne' and is to be the focus of substantial development, growth and investment.

The Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan (the Structure Plan) is the current guiding document for Council, stakeholders and the community. The structure Plan needs to be updated to coordinate development and enhancement of the centre into the future.

The Structure Plan ( PDF 5.57MB) was originally adopted by Council at its meeting on 18 June 2007. The Structure Plan was finalised after review of community feedback received during display of the Draft Plan during November/December 2006.

Since the Structure Plan was developed, significant land use, growth and demographic change has occurred in Box Hill which means it is time to review and update the Structure Plan to ensure it remains current and relevant.

A project to review the vision and strategic direction for the Box Hill MAC commenced in December 2018 and has now culminated in the preparation of a revised Structure Plan, new Urban Design Framework and draft planning scheme controls.

At the Council Meeting on 25 May 2020, Council resolved to seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare an amendment to the Whitehorse Planning Scheme to implement a revised Structure Plan and new Urban Design Framework for the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre. This included updating planning controls for the centre.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) reviewed the draft documents and provided comprehensive pre-authorisation feedback on the controls and background documents.

After reviewing this feedback, the proposed controls, the revised Structure Plan and new Urban Design Framework were updated. At its meeting on 22 November 2021 Council resolved to seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning on the updated documents. Draft documents discussed at the Council meeting on 22 November 2021 can be viewed below.

The request for authorisation of Amendment C228 - An updated Structure Plan for Box Hill - was submitted on 26 November 2021. Under delegation of the Minister, DELWP advised on the 19 September 2022 that it would not authorise Amendment C228. DELWP’s decision is largely due to the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project and the future Precinct Structure Planning (PSP) proposed by the SRL Authority. This is a disappointing decision and Council will advocate for the vision and strategic work for Box Hill that was developed by the community and Council to be included in the PSP process.

Draft Documents Discussed at Council 22 November 2021

Analysis and Options Report

Analysis and Options Report Summary ( PDF 8.42MB)

The report provides a summary of the existing situation in the Box Hill MAC, including the planning and policy context, economic and demographic projections, development approvals and the emerging built form.

The Report identifies opportunities for alternative approaches to planning and development in the MAC. This includes ideas for managing population and job growth, facilitating affordable housing and delivering high quality public spaces.

Review of Strategic Direction Box Hill MAC Analysis & Options Report – Intro to Ch2 ( PDF 13.56MB)

Review of Strategic Direction Box Hill MAC Analysis & Options Report – Ch 3 ( PDF 12.85MB)

Review of Strategic Direction Box Hill MAC Analysis & Options Report – Ch 4 ( PDF 7.16MB)

Review of Strategic Direction Box Hill MAC Analysis & Options Report – Appendices ( PDF 8.41MB)

Box Hill Activity Centre Demand Report

Community Engagement

Phase 1 community consultation took place in February 2019 and included an online survey, a pop-up session in the Box Hill mall and publicity on Council’s web site, Facebook page and in the Whitehorse Leader.

Phase 2 consultation on an Analysis and Options Report took place in July / August 2019. This included a wide mail out, information sessions in the Box Hill Mall and Box Hill Town Hall, a bi-lingual survey in English and Mandarin and publicity on Council’s website, Facebook page and in the Whitehorse Leader. Outcomes of this consultation were summarised in a report presented to the Council meeting on 21 October 2019. The Analysis and Options Report has subsequently been updated (April 2020).

A Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) was formed at the beginning of the project, which comprised State Government, landowner, community and agency representatives, Ward Councillors and the Mayor of the day. The SRG had its first meeting in March 2019 and met six times during that year.

The Community Consultation Summary ( PDF 7.68MB) (May 2020) provides an overview of the community engagement activities and results during Phases 1 and 2 of the project.

Phase 3 involved finalising drafts of the Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework and preparing planning scheme controls to implement the project recommendations. As noted above, Council's request to commence the statutory planning scheme amendment process was refused on the basis of the SRL project and the future Precinct Structure Planning (PSP) proposed to be prepared by the SRL Authority. It is understood that the community will have the opportunity to provide input into the PSP process which may result in changes to the planning controls for Box Hill.

For further information please contact Council’s Strategic Planning Unit via customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or call 9262 6303.

*Privacy Statement

Any personal information collected will be solely used by Council for the primary purpose of conducting this project. The intended recipients of the information are Council’s Strategic Planning officers. Council may disclose information to organisations authorised to collect it. Individuals have a right to seek access to their personal information and make corrections by contacting the Planning and Administration Officer on 9262 6303. You may also view Council’s Privacy Policy or obtain a copy from any of our Council offices.

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