We are traffic engineers servicing Carrum Downs, Frankston, Frankston North, Frankston South, Karingal, Langwarrin, Langwarrin South, Sandhurst, Seaford, Skye. This guide provides developers with a clear, step-by-step process for successfully undertaking traffic and car parking impact assessments to meet Frankston City Council’s specific requirements for planning application approval. Whether your project is located in Frankston, Carrum Downs, Seaford, or Langwarrin, understanding these local nuances is critical for a smooth process.
Why Frankston Council Scrutinises Traffic and Parking for Developments
Frankston City Council places a high priority on the safe and efficient operation of its road network. For any new development, the Council’s primary objectives are to ensure road safety, maintain network efficiency, and preserve local amenity for existing residents. A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) is the key document used to demonstrate that a new project meets these objectives.
The entire process is governed by the Frankston Planning Scheme, the core regulatory document that outlines all requirements. A failure to adequately address these requirements is a common cause of project delays and refusals.
Key Triggers: When a Report is Non-Negotiable
A traffic and parking report is not optional for many types of projects. It is an essential requirement for a planning application involving:
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Multi-dwelling residential developments
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Childcare centres and medical centres
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Commercial or industrial projects exceeding a certain floor area or intensity
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Any change of land use that is likely to increase traffic generation or parking demand
Understanding Clause 52.06 and Local Parking Policies
The Victorian Planning Provisions, specifically Clause 52.06, sets the standard car parking rates for different land uses across the state. However, Frankston Council has its own local planning policies that supplement and sometimes modify these standard rates. This is particularly true in specific areas covered by Parking Precinct Plans, which are designed to manage parking in busy activity centres.
The Cost of a Non-Compliant Report: Delays and Refusals
Submitting an incomplete or non-compliant traffic report almost always results in a Request for Further Information (RFI) from Council planners. This immediately extends assessment timelines, adds to holding costs, and can create friction in the approval process. The ultimate risk is a refusal of the planning application, which can lead to costly and time-consuming VCAT appeals.
Core Components of a Compliant Report for Frankston Council
A comprehensive and professionally prepared report demonstrates due diligence to Council planners. It should be structured as a checklist that clearly addresses all potential traffic and parking implications of your project, whether it’s in Frankston South, Karingal, or Skye. A compliant report for Frankston Council must cover the following elements. As experts in all traffic engineering services, ML Traffic Engineers ensures every component is meticulously addressed.
Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) Elements
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Traffic Generation: Detailed calculations of the expected number of vehicle trips the development will generate, based on industry-standard rates or local surveys.
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Network Impact: An assessment of the development’s impact on the performance of nearby intersections and the surrounding road network.
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Sustainable Transport: Analysis of access to public transport, as well as the provision and safety of pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
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Safety and Access: A thorough road safety review, including sightline analysis for vehicles entering and exiting the site to ensure safety for all road users.
Car Parking Demand and Layout Assessment
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Parking Rate Calculation: A precise calculation of the number of car parking spaces required under the Frankston Planning Scheme, including Clause 52.06 and any local policy variations.
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Parking Justification: A clear justification for any proposed shortfall in parking (a parking dispensation request), supported by evidence of local conditions and transport options.
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Design Compliance: Confirmation that the car park layout, including space dimensions, aisle widths, and access ways, complies with Australian Standard AS 2890.1.
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Accessible Parking: Assessment and design of accessible parking spaces to meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements.
Essential Technical Analyses: Swept Paths and Access
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Swept Path Analysis: This technical assessment uses software to demonstrate that vehicles, from standard cars to the largest anticipated service vehicle (e.g., a waste collection truck), can safely enter and exit the site without encroaching on footpaths or opposing traffic lanes.
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Driveway Design: Confirmation that driveway grades, ramps, and transitions are designed to prevent vehicles from scraping or "bottoming out."
The Step-by-Step Process for Your Frankston Assessment
Navigating the traffic assessment process can seem complex. This chronological workflow breaks it down from a developer’s perspective, highlighting the crucial role of your traffic consultant at each stage.
Step 1: Project Scoping and Preliminary Council Feedback
Engage an experienced traffic engineering consultant early in the design phase. A pre-application meeting with Frankston Council’s planners is highly recommended to clarify expectations and define the precise scope of the required traffic and parking report.
Step 2: Data Collection and On-Site Investigation
An accurate assessment relies on current data. This involves conducting traffic and parking surveys on-site to understand existing conditions, assessing the state of the local road network, and reviewing any future planned road upgrades that may impact the project.
Step 3: Technical Analysis and Report Compilation
This is the core engineering work. It includes traffic modelling, calculating parking demand based on Clause 52.06 and local policies, and preparing scaled drawings for swept path analysis and the proposed car park layout. The consultant compiles all findings into a comprehensive report.
Step 4: Report Submission and Council Liaison
The final traffic and parking report forms a critical part of your planning application package. Post-submission, your consultant should be available to respond promptly and professionally to any queries or RFIs from Council, supporting the application through to a determination.
Navigating Frankston-Specific Parking Policies and Precincts
Demonstrating deep knowledge of Frankston’s unique rules is key to a successful outcome. This is where generic, statewide advice falls short and local expertise becomes invaluable for projects in areas like Sandhurst or Frankston North.
Understanding VC277 and Clause 52.06 Parking Requirement Maps
A recent state-wide amendment, VC277, has changed how Clause 52.06 is applied. The new system uses car parking requirement maps to designate areas with different levels of parking provision. This means the number of required spaces can vary significantly depending on your site’s specific location within a mapped precinct. An expert consultant can interpret these maps to ensure your proposal meets the correct, location-specific rate.
The Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) and Future Plans
The Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Parking Precinct Plan already modifies standard parking requirements for developments within the Frankston CBD, promoting shared parking and sustainable transport.
Looking ahead, developers must also consider two major strategic plans:
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Frankston Activity Centre Plan: A state-led initiative under the Activity Centres Pilot Program, set to be finalised in early 2025.
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Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan: The Council’s own 20-year vision for the city centre, adopted in September 2024 and expected to be approved in 2025.
Both plans aim to guide future development to support housing growth, improve access to jobs and transport, and enhance liveability. A forward-thinking traffic assessment must align with the strategic directions of these crucial documents.
Cash-in-Lieu Contributions: An Alternative to On-Site Spaces
In certain circumstances, particularly within the FMAC, Council may permit a developer to provide a financial contribution to Council’s parking fund in lieu of providing some physical spaces on-site. The process requires a formal application and justification, and the contribution rate is set per space. It is essential to verify the current rate with Council.
Parking Rate Variations for Specific Land Uses
Council may apply discretionary parking rates for certain land uses, such as reduced requirements for residential projects located in close proximity to Frankston Station. Confirming these potential variations with Council or your consultant early on can significantly impact project feasibility.
Why Your Frankston Project Needs an Experienced Traffic Engineer
The complexity of the Frankston Planning Scheme, combined with evolving local policies, makes expert guidance essential. A traffic engineer is not an expense, but a crucial partner who provides a significant return on investment by securing a smoother, faster planning application approval. This hands-on, expert-led approach is detailed on the ML Traffic About Us page.
The Value of Local Knowledge and Council Relationships
An engineer with experience in the Frankston area understands the specific expectations of Council’s traffic and planning departments. This familiarity with local policies—both written and unwritten—helps avoid common pitfalls and streamlines communication, leading to more accurate and defensible reports. Our proven track record spans projects from Frankston North to Langwarrin South, and from Carrum Downs to Seaford.
Choosing the Right Consultant: Key Questions to Ask
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Have you completed and secured approvals for projects in the Frankston Council area before?
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Who will be preparing my report and personally handling any Council queries?
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Can you provide examples of similar projects in Frankston that you have successfully guided through the approval process?
The ML Traffic Advantage for Your Development
We offer a clear promise: the senior engineer who quotes your work, does the work. With over 30 years of experience across thousands of sites, we provide direct, expert guidance to navigate the complexities of Frankston Council’s requirements.
For an expert assessment and a clear path forward for your planning application, Contact ML Traffic Engineers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a traffic and parking report for Frankston Council typically cost?
The cost depends on the scale and complexity of the proposed development. A simple change of use will cost less than a large multi-level mixed-use project. We provide fixed, upfront fee proposals so you know the cost before proceeding.
How long does it take to prepare a traffic report for a planning application?
Typically, a report can be prepared within 1-2 weeks, depending on the need for on-site traffic surveys and the complexity of the analysis required.
What happens if my development cannot meet Frankston’s standard car parking requirements?
If you cannot meet the statutory requirements, a parking dispensation report is required. This involves preparing a detailed justification for the proposed shortfall, often supported by on-site parking surveys and analysis of local conditions.
Is a traffic report required for a small extension or change of use?
It depends on the specifics. If the change of use intensifies the activity on site (e.g., from an office to a medical centre) or if an extension triggers a requirement for more parking, a report will likely be required by Frankston Council.
What is the difference between a Traffic Statement and a full Traffic Impact Assessment?
A Traffic Statement is typically for smaller-scale developments with minor traffic impacts. A full Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) is a more detailed report required for larger projects that are likely to have a significant effect on the surrounding road network.
Can ML Traffic Engineers help if Council issues a Request for Further Information on my application?
Yes. We provide ongoing support for all our reports. If Council raises questions or issues an RFI related to traffic or parking, we will prepare a detailed response to address their concerns and support your application.
