A new planning application has sparked significant concern among South Melbourne residents, who say the proposal is completely out of step with the South Melbourne Precinct Plan and the future vision for the neighbourhood.

Local landlords and residents, who have been actively engaging with Council since 2025 on zoning issues along Moray Street, have called for broader community awareness and support to ensure the proposal is properly scrutinised.

What’s Being Proposed?

A development application (PDPL/00180/2026) has been lodged for 183–197 Moray Street, seeking to construct a 7‑storey, 23.5‑metre-high storage facility on the currently vacant site.

According to the applicant, the use is classified as Section 1 (as‑of‑right)—meaning no planning permit is required for the use itself, despite its scale and impact. Noting that this loophole is deeply problematic, stating that:

“The proposed ‘Storage Facility’ doesn’t align with the South Melbourne Structure Eastern Business Precinct Plan.”

Residents argue that the development fails to contribute to future growth, diversity, or the mixed‑use character that Moray Street is intended to support.

Why Residents Are Concerned

1. Out of Alignment with the South Melbourne Structure Plan

The Structure Plan emphasises mixed‑use development, employment opportunities, and high-quality built form outcomes. A monolithic storage facility does not support these goals.

2. Visual and Neighbourhood Impact

The proposed building would dominate the prominent Moray & Dorcas Street corner, overshadowing nearby homes and commercial offices between Dorcas and York Streets.

3. Heritage Sensitivity

Council has applied Heritage Overlays to several nearby properties. Residents argue that a bulky industrial-style building is incompatible with the heritage character of the precinct:

“Building a 7‑storey building to its boundary adjacent an existing building to facilitate an equitable future development for the adjoining property … is a prime example of the developers’ disregard to the public surrounds.”

4. Zoning Mismatch

The site sits within the Eastern Business Precinct, but surrounding land—particularly to the south and west—is zoned Residential 1. Storage facilities are typically suited to Industrial 1 Zones, not Commercial 2 Zones.

5. Missed Opportunity for Better Land Use

Residents emphasise that this site is a gateway to the Shrine of Remembrance and South Melbourne and deserves a development that enhances the precinct rather than detracts from it.

Community Action Needed

Only a small number of objections have been lodged so far. Residents are advised to:

• Review the application
• Consider lodging an objection
• Support a petition if community momentum grows
• Engage with Council’s Strategic Planning Team

Without community involvement, the proposal may proceed unchecked.

Local stakeholders who want to help protect the character and future of South Melbourne can email Head of Strategic Planning at  futuresouthmelbourne@portphillip.vic.gov.au or email the planning team at Planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au