At the request of Glen Eira City Council, the Minister for Planning referred the Caulfield Village proposal to an Independent Panel. The three member panel of experts in planning convened the hearing over six days, held between 18th May and 28th May 2010.
Community members and other stakeholders including Council, Monash University and Melboure Racing Club were given an opportunity to present to the Panel their views and concerns across a wide selection of topics including car parking, traffic, building heights, the scale and types of buildings and the development process.
Expert testimony recommended to Panel that whilst there would be an increase in traffic, these issues could be managed through the new road network and car parking arrangements.
Overall the submissions made to the Panel recommended Caulfield Village as a positive response to Melbourne's expanding population and demand for services close to public transport.
Council's closing statement described Caulfield Village as "a reasonable response to the opportunities and constraints afforded by the land and the area" and that "a development of the magnitude proposed has the capacity to bring about significant public realm benefits and contribute significantly to the achievement of community 'betterment' leading to a clear net community benefit".
It is expected the Caulfield Village development will generate approximately 3,000 jobs during the 7 - 8 year construction period and provide over 2,000 ongoing jobs upon completion.
The Panel Report was released by Glen Eira City Council on the 30th July 2010. A copy of the report can be downloaded from the following link:
Planning Scheme Amendment C60 Panel Report - July 2010