_AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN BOX HILL

Collie has recently worked on a number of residential projects in the Box Hill Central Activities Area.  Recently, a town planning permit was granted by the City of Whitehorse for the development of a seven storey apartment building comprising 40 apartments and basement car parking at 19 Irving Avenue.

19 Irving 3

Collie was engaged by Ethan Property Group to provide town planning services and manage the planning permit application process with the Council.

The development comprises 27 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom apartments.  Car and bicycle parking is provided in a basement.

19 Irving 1

The site is opposite Box Hill Gardens in the Box Hill Activity Centre.  It is highly suitable for affordable housing given its close proximity to a range of services and facilities including hospitals, public transport, shopping centres and TAFE campuses.

The project has secured funding under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).  The NRAS commenced in 2008 and is a joint initiative between the Federal and State Government, administered in Victoria by the Department of Human Services.  NRAS aims to increase the supply of affordable rental housing by providing rental properties at a reduced cost to low and moderate income individuals and families.  Rental housing is considered to be ‘affordable’ when the cost of rent is at least 20 per cent below market rates.  Eligible tenants are tested against household income thresholds according to their household composition.

The approved seven-storey building in Irving Avenue is one of many recent multi-storey developments granted planning approval in the Box Hill Central Activities Area.  Access to multiple modes of public transport, shops, services and employment makes Box Hill an ideal location to support higher density residential and mixed use development.

The extensive work undertaken by Collie and Ethan Property Group to engage with Council resulted in the issue of a planning permit without the need for consideration by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).  This is an achievement considering that most applications in the precinct are eventually dealt with by VCAT.