Good afternoon all,

On the 17th of April 2025 the Inquiry into Victoria Planning Provisions amendments VC257, VC267 and VC274 took place.  An inquiry launched to question the government's approach to building and planning announcements and irreversible impact on Victoria.  

Today they released the findings and transcripts. Here is a synopsis and a link to the report:

Summary of the Select Committee on Victoria Planning Provisions Amendments Report

Executive Summary
The report examines three recent Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) amendments: VC257, VC267, and VC274, which represent significant changes to Victoria's planning system. The Committee's inquiry assessed whether these amendments give proper effect to the objectives of planning in Victoria as set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Key Findings

• Broad Support for Housing Objectives: All witnesses supported the policy objective of increasing well-located housing, though many raised concerns about implementation.
• Consultation Issues: The Committee found that the Victorian Government did not properly consult on these amendments, with the Minister inappropriately exempting herself from expected consultation procedures.
• Evidence Gaps: No modeling was provided to demonstrate how these amendments would impact housing supply and affordability.
  Heritage Concerns: Many submitters expressed valid concerns that heritage values are at serious risk of being compromised.
• Environmental Impacts: The Committee expressed concerns about excessive tree removal and reduced environmental standards under the new provisions.
  Decision Guidelines: Amendment VC267's exemption from clause 65 decision guidelines represents a substantial change to residential development assessment, potentially removing consideration of important environmental and safety factors.

The Amendments

• VC257: Introduced the Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) and Built Form Overlay (BFO) to enable denser housing in activity centers.
• VC267: Replaced ResCode with the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code, using a "deemed to comply" system that removes third-party appeal rights when standards are met.
• VC274: Created the Precinct Zone (PRZ) for priority development areas, including Suburban Rail Loop precincts.

Key Recommendations
The Victorian Government should:

1. Publish modeling on how amendments will impact housing supply and affordability
2. Implement proper consultation with councils and communities
   Ensure clause 65 decision guidelines apply to all clause 55 decisions
3. Improve tree canopy and environmentally sustainable development standards
   Address heritage protection concerns
4. Create better oversight mechanisms for Planning Provisions

The Department of Transport and Planning should:

1. Provide all requested documents to the Committee
2. Establish a formal notice period before implementing planning amendments
   Review expert advisory mechanisms for future activity centers

Conclusion
While the Committee supports the objectives of increasing housing supply in well-located areas, it identified significant issues with implementation and unintended consequences of the amendments. The report calls for greater transparency, proper consultation, and safeguards for environmental, heritage, and community interests as planning reforms proceed.