Council concern over Future Homes application
Published on 22 September 2025
Banyule is continuing to feel the impact of town planning reforms being made by the Victorian Government.
While Council supports population growth targets and the need for more diverse housing in our streets, we’re concerned about the Minister for Planning’s recent decision to ‘call in’ the planning application for 125 Mountain View Parade, Rosanna – which means the Minister will be deciding on this application.
The application was set to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in early August 2025, where Council would have had the opportunity to present our reasons for refusal.
Why did Council initially refuse the application?
Council assessed the Future Homes application that had been approved from the Department of Transport and Planning. After our assessment, we refused it as it didn’t respond to several issues identified by our planning officers - and didn't meet the objectives and standards set out in the recently introduced Future Homes provision of the planning scheme.
Mayor of Banyule, Cr Elizabeth Nealy says while Council actively supports a mix of housing, it’s important that local input and knowledge is still considered.
“We agree with the Victorian Government’s intent to make more affordable housing in appropriate locations – but our concerns with this application are valid and still need to be addressed.”
“In the opinion of Council officers, this planning application didn’t adequately address accessibility, setbacks, landscaping, tree canopy and best-practice passive design principles set by Future Homes themselves” Cr Nealy said.
Banyule Councillor Alicia Curry added it was concerning that our community was being shut out of discussions on town planning matters.
“As our population continues to grow, we know more housing will be needed in Banyule. But that doesn’t mean locals should be shut out of a robust and democratic planning application process.”
“We’ll continue to advocate for our community so that local voices remain part of local town planning decisions. We were on the front foot with Future Homes, resolving an urgent item of business of advocacy at the Council Meeting on 9 December 2025” Cr Curry said.
What's next?
The Minister has referred the application to a committee for recommendation. Council will make submissions at the committee hearing and continue advocating for a well-designed, fit-for-purpose development.