Rosanna Housing Development Receives State Approval Despite Local Opposition
A housing development in Rosanna, Victoria, has received approval from the Victorian government, overturning a prior rejection by the local council and a petition supported by Police Minister Anthony Carbines. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny exercised her "call-in" powers to finalize the 12-month planning process. This decision highlights ongoing discussions between state government housing objectives and local community concerns regarding development density.
Development Details and Conditions
The approved development at 125 Mountain View Parade in Rosanna, Melbourne's north-east, comprises two buildings with 17 dwellings surrounding a central courtyard. The development includes one one-bedroom, eight two-bedroom, and eight three-bedroom apartments, along with a basement carpark for 22 cars and 20 bicycles. The state government imposed additional conditions, requiring the developer to increase the street setback by one meter, include a pet wash and a bicycle repair station, mandate double-glazed windows, and convert five visitor parking spaces into resident parking.
Local Community and Council Reactions
A Mountain View Parade resident, who signed the petition and requested anonymity, stated that the revised conditions would not diminish local opposition. The resident expressed concerns about potential impacts on local amenity and street traffic. The resident also indicated plans to acquire the adjacent property to prevent further apartment development in the area.
Banyule Deputy Mayor Rick Garotti noted the council's concerns regarding its role in the decision-making process. He acknowledged that the additional setback and other mandated conditions improve the proposal compared to its original form. However, he stated that these changes do not fully address the council's previously raised issues concerning neighborhood character, landscaping, and overall fit.
Developer's Perspective and Project History
Jim Clarke-Sullivan, the developer from SCS Property, expressed confidence in the development's appeal, stating, "It's natural that planning changes can generate strong views in the local community, and everyone is entitled to express them." He added that there is a demand for single-level, generously sized apartments in Rosanna, with several inquiries received from individuals seeking to downsize while remaining in the community.
Banyule council's rejection of the development in the previous year occurred as it was the initial project under Melbourne's "Future Homes" program. This program offers developers access to state-designed plans at a reduced cost, alongside a promised four-month approval timeframe. The project encountered delays at the local planning stage. Despite initial government endorsement, Banyule council rejected the proposal in February 2025 following resident opposition in an area characterized by larger single-family homes. Housing advocacy group YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) Melbourne commented that Banyule council's actions demonstrated how local governments can exacerbate housing supply issues.
Political Intervention and Final Approval
The developer escalated the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). During this period, local MP Anthony Carbines sponsored a parliamentary petition from residents. The petition included AI-generated images of the proposed development, depicting it negatively, and labeled the project a "planning emergency" on an associated website, which has since been removed. The 900-signature petition, signed by Carbines and presented to the Legislative Assembly in October, characterized the government's policy as a "failed pilot scheme." It contended that the existing street infrastructure was unsuitable for the proposed density. Premier Jacinta Allan defended Carbines, stating that it is common for elected officials to represent their constituents' perspectives.
Minister Kilkenny subsequently removed the matter from VCAT and referred it to an independent standing advisory committee. Prior to Christmas, the Governor in Council granted official approval after the committee assessed the proposal as "exemplary" in terms of design, liveability, and sustainability.
Clarke-Sullivan commented on the approval, stating satisfaction that the project had undergone independent review and was recognized as appropriate, well-designed, and beneficial for Rosanna. He also reported approximately $130,000 in costs for the application process and legal representation during the VCAT and call-in stages, in addition to ongoing holding costs for finance, land tax, and rates. Clarke-Sullivan indicated that these expenditures contribute to the overall risk and cost associated with constructing homes in Melbourne.
Site Justification and Broader Context
The 1608-square-meter site, formerly occupied by a single residence and tennis court, was designated by the state government as eligible for the program. This designation was based on its location within 800 meters of a train station and an "activity center," and the absence of heritage or neighborhood character overlays. A state government spokesperson affirmed the government's objective to facilitate increased housing construction statewide, aiming to provide more Victorians with residential options near essential services.
Since its 2023 launch, only two other "Future Homes" designs, located in Shepparton and Braybrook, have commenced construction. Anthony Carbines did not provide a comment when requested.