There is also some good news regarding the West Hawthorn Urban Design Framework. Thanks to strong representation by the previous mayor, Coral Ross, the CEO and the head of Strategic Planning, the Minister has now agreed to accept the mandatory height controls and setbacks along Burwood Road between Power Street and Glenferrie Road in the amendment to the Planning Scheme to be exhibited.
On Monday night, the Council’s Urban Planning Commitee resolved to proceed with the Urban Design Framework amendment on the basis acceptable to the Minister. It is expected to go on exhibition in the next three months.
It has been almost a year to the date since the Boroondara council agreed to support their community in reducing over development in West Hawthorn by correcting the West Hawthorn Urban Design framework. Advice has now been received from Minister Madden and the council will consider whether to go ahead with the amendment based on the condition his department have set. See the agenda for details, but once again the Minister wants the removal of references to height levels in relation to specific sites in West Hawthorn.
Meeting agenda here.
The meeting of the Urban Planning Special Committee of the Boroondara City Council will be held at the HAWTHORN ROOM in the Hawthorn Town Hall 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
on MONDAY 16 MARCH 2009, commencing at 8.00pm
(The amendment is the third issue on the agenda)
At the meeting on Monday 17th March the Boroondara council unanimously supported local residents by seeking to alter the WHUDF to reinstate the proper meaning of “low rise” development for the area around Hawthorn Square. In response to a letter signed by approximately 400 residents and personal representations at the meeting, the council will seek to alter the height limit to two storeys with a third storey set back. The council will also seek to correct the accidental deletion of the public space provision at the front of Hawthorn Square.
The next step will be to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and make sure that the controls are not watered down by the planning minister.
Note: the meeting starts at 7.45, not 7.30 as stated earlier.
The council meeting is going ahead on Monday March 17th to discuss the West Hawthorn Urban Design Framework. The report on this item is on the Council web site – click on “Meetings and Agendas”, and then on UPC Meeting, 17 March. The meeting starts at 7.45pm. The WHUDF Amendment is UPC3, Item 4. Or click here to go straight to the agenda.
Its important that we get as may people to the meeting as possible to express the community’s concern over this issue. Hope you can make it.
The extensive community consultation process followed in the preparation of the West Hawthorn Urban Design Framework (WHUDF) was valued by the West Hawthorn Community. However, the proposals for the West Hawthorn Villiage precinct have been changed in two major respects without further community consultation.
- The public space at the Burwood Road/Power Street corner has been deleted.
- The maximum three storey height limit proposed for the precinct has been amended on three major sites to allow for five storey development.
Some residents have organised a letter to be signed to alert council of the stong feeling in the community over this issue. If you can help getting further signitures to this letter, please get in contact with us.
It looks like this will be discussed at council on the 17 March, so if you can attend that meeting it would be very much appreciated.