A Darley developer will appeal Moorabool council’s decision to knock back a proposal for three one-bedroom units on a single block.
Neighbours of the site in Anile Place, in the Somerton Court Estate, told last Thursday’s council meeting that the 490-square-metre-block was originally set aside for one home.
Nine of the 12 landowners in the small court objected to the
permit. “It’s an overdevelopment of an already small estate,” resident
Nadia Sidea said.
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Ms Sidea said increased traffic and wear and tear of communal property were the objectors’ main concerns.
Another resident, Jacqueline Elliot, said the three dwellings did
not fit the neighbourhood’s character. “It’s going to mean increased
traffic and we have only one access point, so if there’s an emergency
our escape is hindered.”
Council staff recommended the planning application be rejected on
these grounds, adding it did not achieve the objectives contained within
the Moorabool Planning Scheme, nor have the consent of a majority of
owners’ corporation members.
Applicant Tony Anile said the area was in need of different
housing types. “People do want smaller housing rather than larger
blocks, and this fills that gap,” he said.
Mr Anile said he was disappointed in the “fraught” application
process, and planned to take the matter to the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal. “I think council has taken the easy road and
just did what the residents say so it can wash its hands of it. It was a
waste of time and money.”
