What will 40,000 new homes mean for Maroondah’s enviable tree canopy?

Maroondah Council has requested an urgent meeting with Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny over concerns it has regarding the impact new planning controls would have on the suburb’s tree canopy.

A 25-year-old local planning rule that has helped protect Maroondah’s tree canopy has been superseded by a State Government code that would see more low-rise buildings and townhouses in Ringwood.

The new Townhouse and Low-Rise Code introduces an assessment pathway to support faster decisions and greater certainty for developers wanting to build townhouses and apartment blocks up to three storeys.

Nearly 40,000 new homes in the next 26 years

The Department of Transport and Planning released its Ringwood Activity Centre Plan final report last month, which included a new streamlined process for planning applications and more homes closer to Ringwood Station, jobs, shops and services.

Aligning with Maroondah’s Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre Masterplan, the scheme outlined plans for building heights to gradually decrease as you move further out from the commercial core of the activity centre.

The plan would form part of Maroondah’s effort in achieving the Victorian Government’s goal of building 39,500 additional homes in Maroondah by 2051.

The major sites for developments from four to 15 storeys were north of Maroondah Highway with three sites marked for developments up to 20 storeys.

The State Government’s Townhouse and Low-Rise Code sets out its own standards concerning a number of different elements, including tree canopy, and essentially overrides the relevant local council’s own planning scheme.

What is the council's issue here?

At Monday night’s council meeting, Mayor Kylie Spears said council had requested a meeting with Kilkenny, citing “significant concerns” over “unintended consequences” caused by the State Government’s influence over planning decisions.

“If these concerns are not addressed … [it will] result in substantial and unnecessary destruction of Maroondah’s unique and highly valued canopy tree cover,” she said.

“The level of canopy tree coverage in Maroondah is attributed to our long-standing clear planning regime, which for simplicity, speed of decision-making and on the advice of the department, was built into our residential zone schedules over 25 years ago.

“Ultimately, these residential schedules in Maroondah have been a success - they don’t slow development but they simply provide more space around developments to retain and replant trees and crucially they don’t limit building heights or densities.”

The State Government’s response

A Victorian Government spokesperson said the plans were in line with the current 30 percent tree canopy target for urban areas.

“Victorians have told us they value the trees and green spaces in their communities,” they told the Eastern Melburnian. “This is a long-term goal, and we’ll keep working with councils, communities and developers to deliver more trees, more shade, and greener streets in urban areas.

“The settings for the Ringwood activity centre use council’s existing strategic work – the updated controls protect street trees from overshadowing and promote tree canopy.”

What’s next for Ringwood?

When the plans are implemented later this year, Ringwood will gradually transform as development applications for low rise and townhouse projects face fewer hurdles in gaining approval.

Ultimately, Ringwood could start to look more like Box Hill or Glen Waverley.