Amendment C67 to the Nillumbik Planning Scheme looks to reserve land required for the future duplication of Yan Yean Road between Diamond Creek Road and north of Kurrark Road, Plenty. Amendment C67 was exhibited between the 25 August and 30 September 2011.
Following the receipt of objections to the displayed amendment, at VicRoads request, the Minister for Planning appointed a Planning Panel to consider the amendment. A Panel Directions Hearing was held on 14 November 2011. A Panel Hearing was conducted between 6 and 8 February 2012.
The Yan Yean Road Panel Report was received by VicRoads acting as the Planning Authority on 30 March 2012.
In accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987 the Panel Report has been placed on VicRoads’ website and the DPCD website within 28 days of the Planning Authority receiving the Panel Report. Refer to link below for a copy of the Panel Report.
Nillumbik Amendment C67 Yan Yean Road Panel Report [PDF, 1023kb, 85pp]
VicRoads is currently considering the Panel Report and will make a recommendation to the Minister for Planning for a final decision on Amendment C67.
VicRoads is undertaking a planning study to identify and determine the road reservation requirements for the future duplication of Yan Yean Road between Diamond Creek Road and north of Kurrak Road, Plenty.
Yan Yean Road is an arterial road that provides an important north-south link, via Kurrak Road and Gorge Road, between the Epping / Mill Park / South Morang area and the Greensborough / Diamond Creek area. Yan Yean Road also services a corridor to the north providing access to the Doreen area.
This 3.9 kilometre, two-lane undivided section of Yan Yean Road is in hilly terrain on a sub-standard alignment. There is increasing residential development along this route, to the north at Doreen, and to the north-west at South Morang and Epping. The outer north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne have experienced growth in recent years, which is expected to continue. This growth includes an expansion of the residential areas within the Shire of Nillumbik and City of Whittlesea. This expansion will need to be supported by suitable infrastructure to meet increased transport demand over time. This will allow appropriate accessibility to these areas to ensure continued development.
The proposal would provide the reservation width required to construct a duplicated roadway in the future and restore access to properties which would lose direct access to Yan Yean Road. The reservation would more specifically allow for the following works to be included in the future construction:
- Ultimate four lane divided road (two lanes each way);
- On road bicycle facilities for cyclists;
- Pedestrian facilities on both sides of the road;
- Signalised intersection at Kurrak Road;
- Removal of low speed road curves between Sutherland Avenue and Howell Road;
- Full access at Mackelroy Road, Heard Avenue, Memorial Drive, River Avenue and Browns Lane / Faneco Road;
- Median openings at defined locations to allow for U-turn movements;
- A posted speed of 80km/h to be adopted where appropriate;
- Indented bus bays; and
- Exclusive bus lane at the Diamond Creek Road approach.
The objectives of the planning study are to determine how to:
- improve safety and reduce delays to users of Yan Yean Road;
- minimise the adverse effects of Yan Yean Road Corridor traffic on abutting residential and industrial properties;
- improve transport access for local industries in the area;
- provide for public transport (buses on the yellow orbital route), pedestrians and bicyclists; and
- minimise impacts on areas and sites with significant environmental and cultural heritage values.
Once complete, the planning study will assist in:
- determining the road reservation requirements for the ultimate development of Yan Yean Road;
- developing the route to its ultimate principal arterial standard, as would be required to achieve its strategic transport objectives; and
- informing developers and council of the road widening requirements for each land parcel along the route.
Further consultation between VicRoads and Nillumbik Shire Council and consideration of public submissions has resulted in Option 1 being modified. The modifications include the realignment of River Avenue to the south side of the former Methodist Church. This modification allows for increased sight distance at the intersection of River Avenue and Yan Yean Road.
The realignment of River Avenue has allowed for the local access road to the north of the former Methodist Church, to be realigned to run parallel to Yan Yean Road. This has in turn reduced impact and land acquisition within the Development DPO4 area.
Provision for a right turn lane to access the service road to the east of Yan Yean Road at property 198 Yan Yean Road has been included. The right turn lane would provide better access to properties serviced by the access road.
Following assessment of all options, VicRoads preferred option is the Modified Option 1 alignment.
Modified Option 1 [PDF, 3800KB 3pp]
This option would utilise the existing road reservation where possible with the aim of minimising impact to landowners. The previously displayed option has been modified to now include a two way service road on the east side of Yan Yean Road from north of Kurrak Road to north of Faneco Road. Further changes have been made to the provision of access into individual properties and to properties north of River Avenue. This option would impact upon the Diamond Creek Garden Centre carpark.
Option 1 [1519KB]
As per Option 1, however the alignment at River Ave has been located to the west side of the church site. This option would remove the impact from the Diamond Creek Garden Centre carpark. This option would impact on the plantings associated with the church site, however it would not impact on the historic former church building.
Option 2 [1499KB]
As per Option 1, however the alignment at River Ave has been located slightly to the west to avoid the Diamond Valley Garden Centre carpark. This option would require the removal of the historic former church building which is protected by a heritage overlay.
Option 3 [1513KB]