_Sustainable Development Implementation Issues

Planning Scheme Amendment C376 is seeking to implement policies relating to sustainability and new mandatory and discretionary sustainable building design standards and requirements, into the Melbourne Planning Scheme (the Scheme).  The amendment, which is currently on exhibition, proposes a number of changes to the Planning Policy Framework, Zones, Overlays and Operational Provisions of the Scheme. 

Of note are the proposed changes to clause 15.01-2L-01 which will replace ‘energy and resource efficiency’ with ‘sustainable development’.  The amended clause applies to applications for a building, including alterations and additions, offering a series of more detailed objectives and strategies relating to urban design, building design and sustainable transport.  Whereas the existing clause includes a single objective “to ensure buildings achieve high environmental performance standards at the design, construction and operation phases“, with fewer and less specific strategies.  The current amendment to clause 15.01-2L-01 however, removes the policy guidelines which were previously included in the replaced section and are common under other Planning Schemes, where there is a requirement for the preparation of a Environmentally Sustainable Design Statement and a Waste Management Plan for development that crosses a specified threshold.  This deletion may make it difficult for Council to assess applications, to test whether relevant sustainable development objectives are being met.  Further guidance would appear to be required. 

Amendment C376 demonstrates efforts by the City of Melbourne to mitigate the effects of climate change although it seems that further work and input into the proposed amendment to the Scheme are needed to ensure that sustainable development is delivered.