The Victorian government has overridden local opposition to approve a housing development on the former Kostka Hall campus in Brighton, green-lighting more than 80 new homes. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the permit for 84 townhouses, bypassing Bayside City Council's rejection of the project.

Kilkenny used the government’s development facilitation powers, arguing that delays in VCAT hinder housing construction. "We’ll work with councils to make good decisions faster, but everyone needs to be working towards the same goal: more homes for Victorians," she said.

The development site, just 350 metres from Brighton Beach station, is set to increase housing diversity in a well-connected area. Despite 159 objections from residents, primarily concerned with traffic, the government-appointed planning committee found the project suitable, noting its potential for downsizing and entry-level housing.

Golden Age Group, which bought the site from Xavier College for $100 million, praised the decision, highlighting the project's contribution to local economic growth and community development.

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