By Ewen McRae
An application to build seven properties on a corner block in Melton has been knocked back by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The application to build six double-storey dwellings and one single-storey house on the corner of Church and Hewson streets was originally refused by the council on the grounds of over development, neighbourhood character, and failure to provide adequate and convenient parking.
Council officers had recommended the permit for the 1628 square metre site be approved, however councillors voted to deny the permit.
During the tribunal hearing, the developer’s representative said VCAT should give greater weight to the council officers recommendation and said the claim of over development did not add up given the site’s proximity to the Melton town centre.
However VCAT upheld the council’s decision, saying the introduction of so many double-storey homes in a largely single-storey area went against the neighborhood’s character.
“The immediate area exhibits a single dwelling development pattern with a building rhythm typical of a single dwelling per lot in a suburban location,” VCAT member Christina Fong said.
“In all, I do not support the … development on design and neighbourhood character grounds.”
