Status quo for planning in Pennydale

Recently the Victorian Minister for Planning advised Council that the State Government would not support the proposed Pennydale Structure Plan. Council has therefore decided to keep existing planning controls in place and not proceed with the plan's implementation.

The Pennydale Structure Plan was developed via extensive consultation with the local community.

Bayside Mayor, Cr Clarke Martin said the plan’s implementation sought to achieve a balance between the concerns of the community and state planning policy. Unfortunately the Minister did not agree.

“We worked with the community to develop a plan that sets out controls for future development in the area including maintaining a maximum three storey height limit,” Cr Martin said.

“The Minister found the plan does not sufficiently facilitate growth in the area which is close to transport, jobs and services, as directed by the state’s broader strategic planning framework. We have therefore opted to retain existing planning controls.”

A range of improvements recommended in the Structure Plan will be considered through other Council initiatives. These include enhancements to foot and cycle paths, parking, traffic, landscaping and vegetation improvements.

Locally known as Pennydale, the area considered by the Structure Plan is located in Cheltenham and is bounded by Bay Road to the north, Park Road to the south and Jack Road and the Frankston Railway line to the west and east respectively. 

The Pennydale Structure Plan was prepared following three stages of community consultation alongside a Community Advisory Group of local residents and input from expert traffic, economic, landscape/vegetation and urban design specialists. 

Find out more about the Pennydale Structure Plan