Paul Mees

The Banco Group’s proposed high-rise development on Smith Street is emerging as a test case for the state government’s new planning blueprint, Melbourne 2030, which overrides local planning controls.

Smith Street is nominated as an activity centre under Melbourne 2030, where medium-density housing and commercial development is encouraged, but the area is subject to a 10-metre height limit under proposed Yarra Council heritage controls.

PAUL MEES assesses Melbourne 2030 and concludes that its process and outcomes is a continuation of the Kennett government’s Living Suburbs urban planning policies.

Read Paul's paper, Paterson's Curse: the Attempt to Revive Metropolitan
Planning in Melbourne.