Knox City Council

Manages growth with targeted density in key areasAssesses subdivision on merit

Housing Strategy

Knox takes a scaled approach to subdivision and residential development, accommodating growth in some areas while protecting green and leafy character elsewhere. Council has called targets unrealistic - nearly 75% increase and 3x projected demand. The Housing Strategy 2015 guides development with Council-owned land near Westfield Knox identified as key opportunity. [Sources: Knox Housing Strategy 2015; Knox Council Submission to Plan for Victoria; Plan for Victoria Feb 2025]

2051 Housing Target

47,000

Source: Plan for Victoria (February 2025) - Draft target, council has called for review

Data Confidence

high

Growth Areas

Knox City (Westfield area)BayswaterBoroniaFerntree GullyRowville

Minimal Change Areas

Dandenong Ranges foothillsEnvironmental significance areasGreen and leafy character areas

Planning Overview

## Knox City Council Planning Department Analysis **Knox operates as a cautious, character-focused council** that takes a highly strategic approach to development applications. The council is known for **strict protection of neighbourhood character**, particularly in the Dandenong Ranges foothills and established green leafy areas, while being more accommodating around designated growth nodes like Westfield Knox. **Processing times are typically longer than metropolitan averages**, with pre-application meetings strongly recommended given Knox's detailed character assessments. The department frequently issues **RFIs for vegetation reports and neighbourhood character statements**, particularly for applications outside core growth areas. **The planning team is well-resourced but methodical**, taking a conservative interpretation of planning policies with strong emphasis on landscape character protection. They're known for thorough assessment processes rather than quick turnarounds, reflecting their "manage growth" philosophy. **Strategically, Knox strongly favours applications in designated growth corridors** - particularly around Knox City Centre, Bayswater, and Boronia - while actively resisting intensification in minimal change areas. Given their vocal opposition to state housing targets as "unrealistic," expect **heightened scrutiny on medium-density proposals** outside core growth zones, with vegetation retention and streetscape impact being primary concerns.