5 Power Street, Williamstown

North interface - 5 Power St Williamstown

Overview

The Minister for Planning is considering a proposal for two five-storey buildings containing 65 social housing units at 5 Power Street, Williamstown. The proposal seeks to rezone the land from Transport Zone 2 (TRZ2) to Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) with an Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO). The site is located near North Williamstown train station and the Williamstown Major Activity Centre.

The application is being assessed through the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) Development Facilitation Program, with the Minister for Planning as the responsible authority. The process does not provide for third party appeal rights (no VCAT appeal rights).

The Minister of Planning will assess and decide on the application from June 2026.

Council's response

Council formally considered the application at the 24 March 2026 Council meeting.

Council resolved to support the development, noting it delivers well-located social housing, and meets strategic planning objectives and the need for social housing in Hobsons Bay. However, there were several concerns relating to the design of the building and the proposed planning controls. Council is advocating for a higher quality level of design to more comfortably integrate with the surrounding streetscape.

Council support of the development is contingent on planning control and design changes detailed in the Council report. See the Council meeting webpage for further information.