By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
A new residential development in Ferntree Gully has been given the green light, but with a range of strict conditions after a recent hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on 25 February 2025.
The development, located on Station Street, has been the subject of concern for locals, particularly due to its potential environmental impact, traffic congestion, and the effect on the surrounding community. VCAT’s decision has provided clarity on how the project will move forward while addressing these concerns.
One of the central aspects of the VCAT ruling was the emphasis on sustainability. The Tribunal required that the developers incorporate energy-efficient features to minimise the environmental footprint of the project.
This includes the installation of electric heating and cooling systems that are net-zero emissions-ready, meeting the standards of the Knox planning clause 22.04. Furthermore, hot water systems must be electric, either heat pump or solar-boosted, reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Each dwelling will also be future-proofed for electric vehicle (EV) charging, with 32 Amp power points installed in the garages. This is in line with increasing demand for EV infrastructure as more Australians make the shift to electric vehicles. Additionally, solar panels will be placed on each roof, optimising the available space for energy generation.
The landscaping plan is another critical part of the conditions outlined by VCAT. To enhance the local environment and improve the overall aesthetics, the Tribunal has insisted that 80 per cent of the plants used be native or indigenous species.
This will help maintain and boost the local biodiversity, creating an environment that encourages wildlife to thrive. Native plants are known to be better suited to local conditions, meaning they require less water and maintenance while contributing to the ecological health of the area.
The developers will also need to ensure that any trees that are retained, either on the property or neighbouring sites, are adequately protected during construction. To ensure this, an arborist will oversee all excavation work and supervise the installation of tree protection fencing around the tree protection zones (TPZs).
Traffic and parking were significant issues raised during the VCAT hearing, especially given the growing number of homes in the area. In response, the Tribunal insisted that the driveways and parking areas be constructed to a high standard and be properly maintained. The development must ensure that vehicles can park and exit the site without any difficulties.
Each dwelling will have a dedicated parking spot, and there will also be bike storage provided to promote sustainable transport options. As part of the development, redundant vehicle crossings will be removed, and the footpaths, nature strips, and any other surrounding infrastructure will be restored to their original state.
Before construction begins, the developers will be required to submit a detailed Construction and Traffic Management Plan (CMP). This plan will outline the construction schedule, the expected duration of work, and the traffic management measures that will be in place to ensure minimal disruption to the community.
The CMP will also address the parking arrangements for construction workers, where hoardings will be set up on the site, and how waste, dust, and noise will be managed. The plan will ensure that no materials or waste will enter the stormwater system, with proper controls in place to prevent pollution.
In addition to the CMP, VCAT has insisted on an Acoustic Report to assess noise levels inside the new homes. The report will ensure that noise in bedrooms remains below 50dBA and living areas below 60dBA, which is considered an acceptable level for a comfortable living environment. If these noise limits aren’t met, the developers will be required to implement soundproofing measures to mitigate the issue.
The stormwater management system will also be closely scrutinised. The development must have a properly designed and maintained system to manage runoff from the buildings and surrounding hard surfaces.
This will ensure that water doesn’t flow onto neighbouring properties or cause flooding. The runoff must be collected and discharged in an effective system of drains within the property, following all local regulations.
VCAT also set clear timelines for the project’s progress. The developers must begin construction within two years and complete the project within four years.
If these deadlines are not met, or if the developers fail to comply with the conditions set by VCAT, the responsible authority can stop work or impose penalties. This ensures that the development proceeds in a timely manner and that all conditions are met before residents can move in.
This development aims to address the growing need for housing in the area while maintaining a focus on sustainability and community well-being. The conditions outlined by VCAT ensure that the project will not only meet the demand for new homes but also contribute positively to the local environment and community.
By prioritising energy efficiency, tree protection, stormwater management, and noise control, the project is designed to be a model for future developments in the area.
