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The Victorian Government has approved a major residential development at the former Leo’s supermarket site at Kew Junction.
Council saw the possibility of this development delivering a positive outcome for the community, subject to a range of changes that would reduce its impact. We made a submission to the Minister for Planning about these proposed changes and what should be improved before a decision was made.
The Victorian Government’s planning reforms provide a fast-track approval pathway for developments like this. Council is not the decision-maker and residents can’t challenge decisions through an independent review.
The developer is planning a mixed-use development of 194 apartments plus retail spaces, across 4 multi-storey buildings.
The concept is sound, but 18 storeys for one of the buildings exceeds the Victorian Government’s own height guidelines of 16 storeys.
We also sought assurance that the affordable housing element would be built on site, rather than the applicant paying money to the government to spend wherever it wishes across the state.
An agreement on how the development will alter the current public car park, which is located on Council-owned land, is still needed, so Council will continue to work towards an improved outcome for the community.
We see well designed, higher-density development in appropriate locations as the key to enabling more people to live in Boroondara. Kew Junction’s good public transport, services and facilities make the former Leo’s supermarket site an ideal location for a large mixed-use development.
The proposal does consider improvements to public spaces, connections to nearby sites and growth of the Kew activity centre in ways that align with Council’s goals.
We will continue to work with the developer to ensure the best possible outcome for the community. However, the fast-tracking approval process by the Victorian Government remains a major cause for concern, as we believe local councillors, elected by residents, should have the final say on what is built in our communities.
Get planning updates at our Victorian planning reform page.
