The Allan Labor Government’s bold reforms to the planning system have already reached a major milestone, with the backlog of housing approvals more than halfway cleared.

Since handing down the landmark Housing Statement, 60 per cent of the 1,400 planning permit applications for townhouses or apartments that had been sitting for more than six months waiting for a decision have been cleared.

In total, the approved developments represent 2,826 new dwellings. In the City of Boroondara alone, 22 permits from the backlog have been approved, for 53 new homes.

But it’s not just clearing the backlog – the Labor Government is also clearing the path for more housing by fast-tracking approvals, turning well-located underused land into quality housing that’s close to public transport, jobs and critical services.

In Hawthorn, a former University of Melbourne former campus will be transformed into a new mixed-use development providing about 350 homes – including at least 10 per cent affordable housing.

As the land at 443-450 Auburn Road and 9 Bills Street is now surplus to the university’s needs, it has been rezoned for residential use and private sale, with an amendment introduced to the Boroondara Planning Scheme.

With the new zone in place, the Minister has approved a Development Plan to guide future land use and keep the development appropriate. More than 2,500 square meters of publicly accessible open space and pedestrian links will be developed, while retaining the site’s mature trees.

Additionally, as part of the Big Housing Build, Homes Victoria is currently developing land adjacent to this site for 206 new one, two and three bedroom social and affordable homes – and it’s nearing completion.

Together, the two developments will create a new 2.6 hectare precinct of integrated development with social, affordable and market housing.