Amendment C258 – Activity Centres Strategy Update

Overview

The Casey Activity Centres Strategy describes how retail and commercial development can be consolidated into a network of conveniently located activity centres. It focuses on boosting local jobs and creating a more walkable and liveable city.

Amendment C258 will implement the Strategy into the Casey Planning Scheme by updating Local Planning Policy Framework clauses. The amendment has been exhibited, and considered by panel and it is anticipated that Council (Administrators) will consider adoption of the amendment on 1 September 2020. The amendment will then be submitted to the Minister for Planning for consideration for approval.

Ministerial Approval

The Minister for Planning approved Planning Scheme Amendment C258 to the Casey Planning Scheme.

The Amendment came into operation when it was published in the Government Gazette on 28 January 2021.

The Minister approved planning scheme amendment documents can be viewed on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website

Background

The Casey Activity Centres Strategy is based on extensive public consultation and economic analysis. It brings a new focus on promoting jobs and economic development within Casey’s activity centres by increasing commercial office floorspace and streamlining planning processes. Urban design guidance and clear directions for out-of-centre non-residential use and development are also included.

Activity centres are the places in a community that people go to shop, work, eat and meet, including large centres like Fountain Gate-Narre Warren CBD and the Cranbourne Town Centre, or the many smaller centres of various sizes throughout Casey. Much of the City of Casey’s potential for employment growth in knowledge-based higher wage businesses lies in the strength and vibrancy of its network of activity centres.

This Strategy and related Planning Scheme Amendments will create more certainty for businesses and investors by updating Casey’s existing Retail Policy to include our many new growth area centres and align with Plan Melbourne- the State Government’s Metropolitan Strategy.

A Planning Panel sat from 11 to 17 June and has considered the amendment. Their report is provided in the links below.

20-minute neighbourhoods

A network of activity centres offers convenient access to local shops, services, and jobs for Casey residents. This is a key part of planning for a liveable city.

activity centre strategy one trip map