By Sumeyya Ilanbey
A developer has scaled back plans to construct a six-storey building at Caroline Springs following objections from owners of neighbouring properties and the council’s urban design team.
Residents at Caesia Gardens retirement village submitted two objections, including a petition with 49 signatures, over the initial planning application, citing diminished lifestyle options and less natural light entering the village if the plan was implemented.
The council’s urban design team has since worked with the developer, Varcon Constructions, and an architect to amend the design for the Aqua Lakeside Apartments to “alleviate some residents and council officer concerns”.
“With the advent of these design changes, council officers are generally supportive of the proposal, subject to conditions,” a council report states.
At its recent meeting, Melton council gave the thumbs up for 15 ground-level commercial offices, a four-storey apartment building including two first-floor commercial offices, and a carpark with 171 spaces to be built at 9-25 Commercial Road.
It included several conditions, including that Varcon must hire a private contractor to collect commercial rubbish from the site daily while under construction and collect rubbish twice a week from the residential tenants.
A two-metre acoustic fence must be erected on the northern side abutting the retirement village and there must be security lighting along both sides of the carpark. The developer is also responsible for placing a screening on the upper floor levels to ensure the tenants cannot overlook the adjoining properties.
The council report states Varcon must install Stop Noise, a soundproofing treatment, to the retirement village units directly adjoining the site.
The amended plans also include a plaza to “improve pedestrian engagement”.
“It is council policy that there is encouragement for the development and expansion of retail facilities in accordance with the adopted commercial centre hierarchy,” the report states.
“And that higher density housing opportunities be provided around existing and proposed shopping centres. The proposal is consistent with [the Local Planning Policy for Retailing].”
The site is about 500 metres from Caroline Springs Square shopping centre.
Varcon Constructions did not return
Star Weekly’s calls.
