What you need to know
Stages
The first stage of the project, led by DHHS, seeks to replace walk up buildings with new and increased social housing units and introduce private housing, along with other measures to improve the amenity and security of the area.
The second stage of the project will include upgrades to Council land in the surrounding Debneys Park area to address anticipated community needs for sport, recreation, open space and other community infrastructure.
Planning scheme amendment
The State Government's proposal to renew Flemington Public Housing Estate required a Planning Scheme Amendment to change the planning provisions for the Debneys Precinct; the DHHS-owned Flemington Public Housing Estate and surrounding Council-owned land around Debneys Park.
The Minister for Planning appointed the independent Social Housing Renewal Standing Advisory Committee to provide advice on the suitability of the planning proposals to renew and redevelop Victoria's public housing estates and increase social housing.
The Advisory Committee Public Hearings took place during the week of 11 September 2017. At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday, 22 August 2017 we officially endorsed our submission to the Social Housing Renewal Standing Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee considered all submissions and all matters set out in its Terms of Reference in a final report, which was delivered to the Minister for Planning in October 2017.
The Minister for Planning has now considered the Report of the Advisory Committee. On 22 March 2018, the Minister wrote to Council advising that he has amended the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme (Amendment C177) using his powers under section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act,1987. The Minister approved the rezoning of the land to Mixed Use Zone.
For full details of the planning scheme amendment and all documents, visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) website.
Next steps
Council has been advised that the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has made a decision on the application from Homes Victoria lodged on 30 January 2024.
On 20 February 2024 the DTP advised that the application has been deemed consistent with Clause 52.20 of the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme and therefore exempt from a planning permit.
The application relates to Stage 2 of the Flemington Housing Estate Renewal program. Plans and documents are available on the Engage Victoria website, including the endorsed plans and reports:
- Engage Victoria - Holland Court, Flemington housing
- Engage Victoria - Holland Court, Flemington housing - Proposed Development Plans
Council will respond to DTP and continue to advocate for public transport upgrades in the area surrounding the site, including better access to Flemington Bridge Train Station and for upgraded tram stops to be made available on Racecourse Road.
This approval does not relate to the demolition of any of the towers. Further plans will be prepared and considered by the Planning Minister at a later stage.