Victoria’s new fast track planning pathway has approved its first project, clearing a seven storey apartment development in Fitzroy North after a shorter assessment period than is typical under council processes.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny confirmed the 27 home project at 301 to 317 Rae Street is the first to receive approval through the Great Design Fast Track, a system designed to speed up decisions for medium scale developments that meet set design standards.
The project includes a mix of two and three bedroom apartments, along with car and bicycle parking. The site sits close to tram routes, bus services, the Capital City Trail and established shopping strips, as well as major green spaces such as Edinburgh Gardens and Princes Park.
The application was approved three months after it was formally lodged. Comparable developments can take considerably longer under standard council pathways, particularly if they progress to the planning tribunal.
The Great Design Fast Track applies to developments between two and eight storeys and is intended to prioritise proposals that meet agreed design principles. Applications are reviewed by the Office of the Victorian Government Architect to assess quality, durability and suitability for residents.
Community consultation remains part of the process, with public submissions still considered. However, projects approved through the pathway do not allow for third party appeals, and final decisions sit with the Planning Minister rather than councils or the tribunal.
Supporters of the approach argue it can help increase housing supply in well serviced areas at a time of strong demand, while critics have raised concerns about reduced appeal rights and local oversight. The government says the process strikes a balance by keeping consultation in place while reducing delays.
The fast track pathway forms part of broader housing changes aimed at increasing supply, including revised planning rules, targets for councils, incentives for off the plan purchases and policies to encourage more homes near public transport.
Minister Kilkenny said the Fitzroy North approval reflected the intent of the new system, with an emphasis on design quality and faster delivery. She said the government wants to see more homes built sooner in locations where people already want to live.
The project will now move into the next phase ahead of construction, as further developments are expected to come forward under the fast track process in coming months.
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