THE City of Whittlesea has approved a new Aurora South Town Centre precinct plan that increases land available for new housing while supporting the creation of local jobs.
At the April council meeting on April 21, councillors approved the revised precinct plan as an addendum to the Aurora Development Plan Part 2.
The precinct plan applies to land at 180N, 188M and 200 O’Herns Road, Epping, and guides development of the land for residential, retail, commercial and other uses.
Since the Aurora Development Plan was approved in 2007, changing economic conditions, including rising house prices and the decline of bricks-and-mortar retail, have necessitated a review.
The revised plan allocates more land to medium- and high-density housing, creating about 210 new homes.
To support the shift to higher-density housing, an additional 1000 square metres of open space will be vested in council for use as a local park.
The amount of land for commercial development will be reduced, reflecting a shift towards modern trends such as remote working and online shopping.
The town centre will provide for shops to support the daily needs of the local community, including potentially a small supermarket. Once fully developed, the town centre is expected to support more than 500 jobs.
A further 4000 square metres of land will be vested in council for use as a community centre near the retail precinct and future train station.
The proposed revisions were exhibited to the public between January 8 and February 5 this year.
Almost 450 property owners and occupiers surrounding the precinct were contacted and invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
A total of 10 submissions, including three from statutory agencies, were received during the exhibition period.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said as the community grows and changes, it’s important planning keeps pace with that.
“This revised precinct plan ensures the Aurora South Town Centre evolves to meet the needs of current and future residents, with a balanced mix of housing, jobs and community spaces,” Councillor Cox said.
