KNOX Council has expressed concern over the proposed planning zone reforms put out by the state government, especially changes to commercial and rural zoning.
The sweeping reforms by Planning Minister Matthew Guy's office are some of the biggest changes to Melbourne's planning schemes in decades.
The council is particularly concerned by proposed changes to rural zones. A council report submitted to Mr Guy states Knox's rural land is very different to that across the rest of the state and needs "careful consideration".
Among the differences noted are Knox's close proximity to Melbourne, smaller land lots and most rural land being within the urban growth boundary.
The report, prepared by the council's strategic planning department, stated proposed changes to commercial zones could "undermine council polices".
It specifically referred to the proposed commercial two zone, where a supermarket no bigger than 2000 square metres could be built without a permit.
"Council won't be able to assess the appropriateness of the use," the report stated.
Councillors expressed particular concern over the proposal at a meeting last week when it was decided to send a letter to business owners in Knox highlighting the issue.
"It could undermine existing retail precincts if big supermarkets pop up everywhere," mayor Adam Gill said.
Commercial two zones could potentially allow accommodation to be built — such as retirement homes, boarding/rooming houses and hostels — without attention to the necessary infrastructure and amenities such as public transport.
"Many of the investment-based changes proposed under the reforms will generate short-term economic gain at the expense of a designated activity centre's long-term viability," the report stated.
It also lashed out at the "hurried" consultation process and this Friday's deadline for feedback.
The deadline is just days before the council goes into caretaker period before next month's municipal election, which means there is no time to consult the issue with the new council.
However, the report also stated the council was pleased by the changes to residential zones because they would "provide clarity around development".