‘Bypassing democracy’: Victorian proposal to cut local councils’ planning powers draws ire from peak body

State government wants to fast-track developments in bid to increase housing density in exisiting suburbs, close to public transport

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A proposal being considered by the Victorian government to limit the powers of councils over big developments purportedly to increase housing supply is being criticised as “bypassing local democracy” by a local government association.

In a bid to increase housing density in exisiting suburbs, the government is considering winding back the planning powers of local councils in the hopes of fast-tracking developments near public transport, the Age has reported.

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