These changes will guide how these activity centres grow and develop over time. The plans provide building heights for the core and show residential catchment areas around the core to be rezoned to facilitate housing growth.

What’s changing?

Core

In coming months, a new Built Form Overlay (BFO) will be introduced across the core areas of each activity centre which sets out controls such as building heights and setbacks. These controls will be introduced into the Glen Eira Planning Scheme by the Minister for Planning.

In Caulfield, the plans show building heights generally between 6–12 storeys, with up to 20 storeys to be considered for one site north of the railway line.

In Glen Huntly, building heights generally between 6–8 storeys are proposed through the core with 12 storeys to be considered on a small number of identified strategic sites.

In Bentleigh, building heights generally between 6–8 storeys are proposed through the core with up to 10 storeys considered for a small number of identified strategic sites.

Building heights are generally one or two storeys higher than those proposed under Council’s adopted Structure Plans for these centres, however it is pleasing to see that the general transition from lower to higher building heights through each of the cores is similar to Council’s approach.

In Elsternwick, the plan proposes building heights between 5–12 storeys aligning with the adopted Elsternwick Structure Plan. This is a welcomed result and reinforces the vision developed with the community for the future of the centre. 

Catchments

Residential areas surrounding each activity centre, extending up to one kilometre, have also been rezoned. These inner and outer catchments are now included in either the:

• Housing Choice and Transport Zone 1 (4–6 storeys), or
• Housing Choice and Transport Zone 2 (3–4 storeys)

It is pleasing to see that the catchment area around Ormond and Mckinnon has been reduced in response to submissions made by both Council and the local community.

Existing heritage precincts have not been included in the inner catchment areas, with the exception of a small section of HO72 (western side of Orrong Road south of Glenhuntly Road). A small number of individually significant heritage places will be located within the inner catchment areas. 

Supporting infrastructure and place improvements

The Activity Centre Plans also outline infrastructure priorities and identify indicative opportunities to improve local places.

For more information

Visit the Victorian Government’s webpage: Train and tram zone activity centres — Caulfield to Elsternwick

Or read the Victorian Government’s Planning Process: Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Factsheet (PDF)