Planning in Casey is governed primarily by the Casey Planning Scheme. The Planning and Environment Act 1987 requires that all municipal councils must have a planning scheme.

The Casey Planning Scheme regulates land use and development within the municipality. It contains State and local planning policies, zones and overlays and other provisions that affect how land can be used or developed.

One of the key components of the Casey Planning Scheme is the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). The MSS sets out the key strategic planning, land use and development policies for the municipality.

One of the key policies contained in the Casey MSS is to strengthen and grow the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD to become an integrated retail, civic, living and business precinct that not only serves the local area but the region as a whole. The Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD is designated as one of the Principal Activity Centres of metropolitan Melbourne.

To this end, Council has prepared the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD Incorporated Plan October 2006 which provides the vision for the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD for the next thirty years and facilitates the creation of Melbourne’s premier suburban CBD. The Plan aims to create a diverse, lively, well-connected and sustainable CBD that is based on active streets and the highest quality public and private spaces.

One of key features of this vision is the creation of a mixed-use town centre (the ‘Town Centre Precinct’) that incorporates a range of diverse activities that includes civic, community, retail, leisure and entertainment. A new mixed-use ‘leisure’ street will anchor this precinct which connects the Casey ARC to the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.

To implement this vision, the State Government has applied the Priority Development Zone to this Precinct.

Priority Development Zone Amendment

Overview

Amendment C68, amending the Casey Planning Scheme, was recently approved by the Minister for Planning to allow for the transformation of the traditional suburban model shopping centre in Casey into a cutting edge principal activity centre.

Amendment C68 rezoned the Site so that it is now in a Priority Development Zone (‘PDZ’) which allows the implementation of the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD Incorporated Plan and expedites the development approval process.

The Fountain Gate - Narre Warren CBD Incorporated Plan for City of Casey (October 2006) (‘Incorporated Plan’) was incorporated into the Planning Scheme and is implemented by the PDZ. Together the Incorporated Plan and the PDZ provide for the development of retail, entertainment, office, residential, institutional and other commercial activities in Casey, in addition to expanded civic facilities.

The PDZ has three key features of note for Tenderers.

First, the PDZ provides for shop use of land without a permit. This key feature is likely to simplify the planning approval process for Tenderers interested in development for this use.

Three distinct precincts exist in the PDZ, each with different floor space allowances for ‘shop’ use.

The site is located in Precinct 3 - ‘Town Centre’. Conditions apply to certain uses in this precinct;

– An individual ‘shop’ does not require a use permit provided the floor area does not exceed 1,000m².

– The combined leaseable floor area for all ‘shop’ uses must not exceed 25,000m²

– No Department Store (including a Discount Department Store) is permitted.

Development plan

Secondly, a development plan is required prior to an application for a permit in the PDZ (eg. a permit for buildings and works approval). The development plan will implement the goals of the Incorporated Plan.

This second key feature clarifies Council’s expectations for the benefit of developers. It also dovetails into the third key feature described below and together they provide for an expedited planning approval process for buildings and works.

A development plan will address the requirements of the Incorporated Plan and its guidelines which relate to activity, transport, open space, pedestrian network and urban design.

A proposed development plan for a precinct (or part of a precinct) must be displayed for a prescribed period. Council must take into account any public comments on the development plan.

Exemption from notice and review

Thirdly, an application for a planning permit under the PDZ which is generally in accordance with a development plan is exempt from the notice requirements and third party rights of review under the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (Vic).

This third key feature will assist to expedite the planning approval process for Tenderers.