Council has voted to request that the Minister for Planning the Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP appoint an independent planning panel to consider submissions relating to the Pakington Street Urban Design Frameworks (UDFs).

The UDFs relate to three precincts - Pakington North Pakington Heritage Core and Gordon Avenue and were adopted between 2021 and 2024.

They align with the City’s Settlement Strategy 2020 and the Victorian Government’s Plan for Victoria which identifies Geelong’s housing target of 128 600 additional homes by 2051 of which 77 500 must be delivered in established areas.

The frameworks recognise the need for greater housing diversity in the precincts and consider their proximity to the Geelong-Melbourne rail line and central Geelong while protecting the heritage core of Pakington Street.

Adoption of the Pakington North UDF followed a deliberative community engagement process in early 2024.

During the public exhibition period from 31 July to 1 September this year 51 submissions were received where 13 were supportive 34 objected and 4 provided comments only.

The most common concerns raised were traffic congestion parking shortages building heights and drainage and sewage capacity.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:

Pako is very important to us so we're taking the time to get this process right by carefully considering all of the submissions provided by the community.

Those who took the time to make a submission will be invited to speak to their submission and if Council decides to adopt the amendment it will go back to the Minister for approval.

Councillor Trent Sullivan deputy chair of the City Planning portfolio:

I want to recognise the detailed submissions which were received from the community.

These submissions will be taken into consideration by the independent panel appointed by the Minister before these amendments move further.

Those who made a submission will be contacted in due course with information about how to speak to their submission.