A COMMUNITY group has asked the State Government for answers about a social housing development mooted for Notting Hill.

On March 15, the Journal reported that the Department of Human Services had expressed an interest in obtaining the former Monash Secondary College site to build social housing.

Sources told the Journal Planning Minister Justin Madden was considering "fast-tracking" a plan for hundreds of affordable dwellings at the Duerdin Street site.

Last week, the Notting Hill Community Association wrote to Clayton MP Hong Lim to ask about what was planned for the site.

Association convener Marian Quartly said residents were not against social housing but the area lacked public transport and schools.

"It will be a disaster if hundreds of families are moved to the area and local infrastructure is not improved.

"The nearest train station takes about half an hour to get to by bus and the nearest schools are not within walking distance for families who aren't likely to have a car or more than one car.

"It would be nice to get some certainty but we're also talking about the need for community consultation, which is absolutely essential."

Ms Quartly said there would be a need to re-open Monash Primary School, which closed in 2005, if hundreds of families moved into the area.

Clayton MP Hong Lim said he had passed on the association's letter to Planning Minister Justin Madden.

"[Social housing] has been the government's plan," he told the Journal.

"It's just a matter of time before it's going to come into play, but I haven't had any response yet."