The Minister for Planning recently gazetted interim height controls for the commercial strips in Carnegie and Bentleigh.

I have been been involved in a number of VCAT hearings, arguing for a more balanced approach to developments that gives greater weight to impacts on the existing community.

Two development applications show the effect of the interim height controls.

• Whilst the hearing for the proposed development at 315-317 Neerim Road considered the interim height controls, as they had not yet been approved by the Minster, the VCAT member had to grant the development application for a six-storey building.
• The three-day hearing for a proposed development at 285-287 Neerim Road (the workshops next to the Caltex service station) was due to start today. This application was for a seven-storey building plus roof garden. As the interim height controls have been approved, the maximum permitted height for this site is now four storeys. The developer has asked VCAT for time to consider their options, as anything more than four storeys is off the table. 

Whilst I appreciate that the amendment has real short-term business impacts on the developer, from a longer-term community perspective, I believe this is a positive first step.

As community member, I am grateful that the interim height controls have been approved and would like to thank all who have been involved int their development and approval.

This "petition" is an invitation to acknowledge all involved in achieving this important milestone.

The petition will be open until 30 April, after which I will forward it to the Minister, local Members, and the Glen Eira City Councillors and CEO.

I acknowledge that our neighbourhood will continue to change and that I will see buildings go up that I don't agree with. I appreciate the opportunity for everyone to contribute to council's "Transforming our neighbourhoods together" project (http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Council/News-and-media/Latest-news/Transforming-our-neighbourhood-together). And I hope that council will continue to engage with the community to refine the planning scheme so that it better reflects the wishes and needs of the community across all areas of the municipality.

Please sign the following petition:

THIS IS THE TEXT OF THE PETITION:

Dear Minister,

Thank you for approving the interim height controls for the Carnegie and Bentleigh Urban Villages.

Dear Mr. Dimopoulos, dear Mr. Staikos,

Thank you for advocating to the Minister on our behalf to implement the interim height controls.

Dear Councillors,

Thank you for continuing the work of the previous council, which put the interim height controls to the Minister in August last year. Thank you also for inviting involvement in the structure planning process for our shopping strips.

Dear CEO and council staff,

Thank you for your work in preparing the amendments, responding to the Minister's request for further information, and your continuing work in preparing the more permanent structure plans.

Dear all,

We look forward to your ongoing work in the refinement of the Glen Eira Planning Scheme so it reflects the wishes and meets the needs of the community across all areas of the municipality.

END OF PETITION TEXT

I believe that after signing you may be taken to a screen by change.org where it is asking whether you want to support the work of change.org. I appreciate them providing this platform and understand them asking. If you wish to support them financially, feel free. If you prefer to just add your signature, there is a "Skip" button towards the bottom center of the screen where they ask about financial support. Clicking "Skip" will add your signature to the petition without any financial commitment.