New interim height controls for Bentleigh have resulted in a positive outcome for the local community.

Minister for Planning Hon. Richard Wynne recently approved a request by Glen Eira City Council for interim building height controls on commercially zoned land in the Bentleigh and Carnegie shopping strips. These height controls are binding on all planning permit applicants and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

In January, the developer of a proposed eight storey building at 348–352 Centre Road in Bentleigh lodged an appeal at VCAT. Council was opposed to this development due to its excessive height, amongst several other shortcomings.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Mary Delahunty said as a result of the new height controls, the site now has a mandatory maximum height limit of four storeys and the eight storey development before VCAT is now prohibited.

"This is an outstanding outcome and a win for the Bentleigh community. The approval of the interim height controls now enables Council and the community to create a shared vision for Bentleigh without the threat of inappropriately tall buildings being approved by VCAT," Cr Delahunty said.

On Friday 5 May, the developer lodged modified plans with VCAT for a four storey building. VCAT is due to make a decision on this application on Tuesday13 June.

The interim height controls will apply while Council is undertaking structure planning work, which we anticipate will be completed by the end of 2017.

Council is currently undertaking a comprehensive engagement process with the community, which will set the long-term vision for Bentleigh, Carnegie, Elsternwick, East Village and its other activity centres.

To learn more about Glen Eira’s neighbourhood transformation program and to get involved, visit www.haveyoursaygleneira.com.au