A project that will almost double a Victorian regional town’s population has been waved ahead by the state despite sustained local opposition.
Victorian planning minister Sonya Kilkenny has approved the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan, clearing the way for 1360 homes across 131ha at Riddells Creek.
The site of the development, proposed by Banner Asset Management through the state’s Development Facilitation Program, is 57km north of Melbourne.
It is planned to house about 3800 residents and nearly double the Riddle Creek’s current population of 5000.
Ten per cent of homes would be designated as affordable housing.
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council had rejected the proposal in April of 2023, citing concerns over the development’s impact on the township’s semi-rural character and inadequate infrastructure contributions.
Mayor Dominic Bonanno said the council was “not against development, but this one is of a scale and intensity that isn’t in keeping with our neighbourhood character”.
The Riddells Creek Planning Group had raised concerns about creating “a car-dependent suburb on the edge of a rural community”, questioning whether Victorians wanted country towns to become suburbs rather than preserving their rural character.
Community opposition included a submission with 1231 signatures, while more than 1300 submissions were received during two consultation rounds.
The Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee conducted formal hearings in February before the minister’s final decision.
The approved plan includes delivery of a new community centre, upgrades to Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve, improved road connections with a new roundabout at Kilmore Road and Gyro Close, and shared user paths throughout the precinct.
RPM Real Estate’s Luke Kelly said Riddells Creek’s proximity to existing train infrastructure made it logical for development compared to other Macedon Ranges growth areas.
Sales are likely to begin once approvals are finalised, however homes are unlikely to be completed before at least mid-2026 pending infrastructure construction.
The site has carried Urban Growth zoning since 2017 under Planning Scheme Amendment C100, making residential development anticipated despite local resistance.
The council must now facilitate the approved development while maintaining oversight of implementation details.
Broader development activity across the Macedon Ranges growth corridor includes Villawood Properties’ 2000-lot estate at Sunbury, which the developer said capitalised on research showing buyer interest shifting from Melbourne’s south-east to north-west suburbs.
Goldfields Group has also progressed its $150-million Cornerstone Kyneton mixed-use precinct, securing planning approval for the 62ha commercial development anchored by Bunnings and McDonald’s. Construction is scheduled for later this year.
