The Epping community can now have their say about the suburb they want to live in as part of the State Government’s housing plan to build an additional 60,000 homes for the area.
Recently, the State Government unveiled its next stage in the Activity Centres Program, releasing draft plans for each of the 10 key centres, including Epping, for community feedback.
The Activity Centres Program, outlined as part of the Government’s Housing Statement, will provide an additional 60,000 homes across the 10 centres by 2051. The initiative supports the Government’s broader goal of constructing 80,000 homes over the next decade to address Melbourne’s housing crisis and booming population.
Other locations identified include Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Frankston, Niddrie – Keilor Road, North Essendon, Preston – High Street, and Ringwood.
The State Government created the Draft Epping Centre Plan to complement City of Whittlesea Council’s Epping Central Structure Plan.
In June 2023, Council endorsed the Epping Central Structure Plan following extensive consultation, and has supported several recent developments, including new health facilities and affordable housing in Epping.
The Government’s draft plan gives an insight on how Epping will slowly change over the next few decades, proposing to allow more development to occur in ‘residential catchment’ areas, which are residential neighbourhoods located near the Epping activity centre.
In the catchment area surrounding the ‘activity centres’ – everything that’s within a 10-minute walk of shops and transport – new regulations will promote the development of townhouses and apartments, ranging from three to six storeys in height.
A City of Whittlesea Council Spokesperson said Council was currently seeking more information on the proposal and the rationale for proposed changes.
The spokesperson also noted that Council would continue to advocate to ensure the new planning controls ‘reflect the community’s aspirations for Epping’ as expressed in past consultation.
“The Victorian Government is now developing an Activity Centre Plan and finalising new planning controls for Epping as part of its Activity Centre Program,” they said.
“The Activity Centre Plan notes that land use and buildings in the Epping activity centre is proposed to be guided by Council’s plans.
“However, Council is still yet to view a copy of the proposed planning controls.
“Council will continue to work with the Government and seek to deliver the best outcome for Epping residents and for the City of Whittlesea as part of its Activity Centre Program.”
Feedback on the Activity Centres Program will inform the preparation of a final Activity Centre Plan and implementation through a planning scheme amendment.
The consultation period for the Activity Centres Program closes on Sunday, September 29.
To provide your input on the program, visit www.engage.vic.gov.au.
