A Planning Scheme Amendment is a change to the relevant Planning Scheme (in this instance the Moreland Planning Scheme) to conduct works in the area.
This process is commonly used for infrastructure projects and has been used for previous level crossing removal projects in Melbourne.
Before works commence for the removal of the level crossings at Bell Street, Coburg and Moreland Road, Brunswick, the Level Crossing Removal Authority will make a request to the Minister for Planning to amend the Moreland Planning Scheme.
Most of the works taking place to remove the level crossings at Bell Street and Moreland Road can take place without amending the Moreland Planning Scheme. The proposed Planning Scheme Amendment will apply to land within the rail corridor as well as any adjacent land temporarily required for construction, car parking and access to the rail corridor.
The proposed amendment incorporates site specific controls via an incorporated document, meaning the project can progress without the need for additional planning permits, subject to conditions to be met to the satisfaction of the Minister for Planning.
The conditions may include aspects such as local heritage, urban design and environmental management.
Initial investigations have identified two feasible designs:
- a rail over road design: raising the rail line over Bell Street and Moreland Road onto an elevated rail line.
- a rail under road design: lowering the rail line below Bell Street and Moreland Road into an open trench.
With either design, it is expected that at least one additional level crossing within the vicinity of Bell Street and Moreland Road will also need to be removed due to their close proximity and to meet the required rail grade levels.
Other designs have been ruled out because they require significant property acquisition, have permanent impacts on the commercial strip, affect access for the tram depot on Moreland Road and impact on future transport upgrades in the area.
The Planning Scheme sets out objectives, policies and provisions for the use, development and protection of land during the project.
Regardless of the final design, the proposed incorporated document would put in place specific conditions that will need to be completed to the satisfaction of the Minister for Planning.
Submissions for the Planning Scheme amendment will be part of the formal request to the Minister for Planning to amend the Moreland Planning Scheme. In addition to the Planning Scheme Amendment, the Level Crossing Removal Authority is seeking feedback from the community on broader aspects of the project.
This feedback will help the project team better understand what is important to the community and what is important to consider as part of the project. It may include aspects of the project such as more efficient traffic flow, improved safety and better connectivity in the area.
Any interested parties can make a submission. Letters and submission forms have been mailed to residents and land owners who live in close proximity to the project area.
However, anyone with an interest in the project is able to make a submission online.
Major stakeholders in the area such as Moreland City Council, VicRoads and Melbourne Water will be consulted and have the opportunity to provide input on the Planning Scheme Amendment.