39 Willowbank Road Development Plan

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has approved a development plan for residential land at 39 Willowbank Road, Gisborne. 

Council refused the development plan at its Ordinary Council Meeting in June 2019, citing concerns with appropriateness of the lot sizes, the increase in traffic and impact on local roads, impact on local infrastructure and township character.

The decision followed negotiation between Council, VCAT and the developer during the hearing in late August 2019.    

VCAT made a number of decisions on the matter:

The final amended development plan includes:

  • a state primary school site, to be delivered during Stage 1
  • a reduction in the number of new lots – from 711 to 615 
  • an increase in the average lot size to approximately 680 square metres
  • all lots in the western part of the site to be over 500m2 with boundaries aligning to existing housing
  • road and footpath upgrades adjoining the site
  • larger lots along the interfaces of Brooking and Willowbank Roads, Calder Freeway and the internal connector road to reflect the semi-rural township character of Gisborne
  • new public open space adjoining the primary school
  • a network of open space/drainage reserves that will allow for walking and cycling through the site
  • earth mounding along the interface of the Calder Freeway to reflect the semi-rural township character of Gisborne.

The final endorsed Development Plan(PDF, 4MB) is now available. A copy of the Subdivision Layout Plan(PDF, 1MB) is also available.  

A planning permit has been lodged to subdivide the land and begin the process of development. A planning permit must be generally in accordance with the development plan.