Dividing line

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE residents opposing a two-lot subdivision on Badger Creek Road say safety concerns and loss of privacy alone should have been enough for Yarra Ranges council to reject the application.
The application to subdivide Lot 56 into two titles and build a second dwelling at the rear of the existing house went before council on Tuesday 9 October.
Spokeswoman for the 20 objectors to the proposal, Sue Grosvenor, said she was astounded when Cr Jeanette McRae’s motion to support the recommendation to refuse a permit was not seconded.
Instead, following presentations by Ms Grosvenor and Jonathan Ladson of John Chivers Pty Ltd representing the owner, the matter was deferred.
Ms Grosvenor’s fears that the councillors refusal to support the recommendation indicated they intend to grant the permit seem valid.
Cr McRae told the Mail the matter was deferred with a view to an approval.
“That doesn’t mean it will alter the officer’s recommendation but there was a feeling the applicant’s representative had raised some issues, and had indicated some alternatives plans which with some conditions would make it more workable.
Ms Grosvenor said the officer had based her recommendation on a number of issues including the size of the proposed building envelope, loss of vegetation, access to the site, which is via a driveway shared with a neighbouring property, and the location close to Healesville township.
“By rejecting those concerns, the councillors are going against their own planning criteria,” she said.
Ms Grosvenor’s house is at the rear of the proposed subdivision.
“A major concern is that it will set a precedent for the area,” she told the councillors.
“This type of development can trigger others. At the moment this is a family area not dominated by rental properties and this proposal is out of character for the area.”
Another objector John Glavas said he was concerned about the lack of privacy with the proposed driveway running next to his property and said the lack of available parking would make existing parking problems even worse.
He said there had already been problems with visitors blocking driveways and with access for ambulances.
Denis Cooke lives across the road but says the situation is already dangerous for residents entering Badger Creek Road with visibility blocked by cars parked on the road verge and traffic coming around the blind corner just three houses up from the proposed subdivision.
“This will end up like a car lot and we’ll have even more trouble coming out of our driveways,” he said.
“With that many people trying to get access, and visitors with no-where to park, it will just increase the risk.
“It’s just not the right area.”
Cr McRae said she had been prepared to support the recommendation because she felt there were accessibility and visitor parking issues and considered it would cause detriment to the existing dwelling.
Mr Ladson, however, said the subdivision was an opportunity for the council to make some improvements to the character of the area.
He said the building envelope had been set low and included a private courtyard to ensure privacy.
He said there was already a scattering of similar density housing in the area and said the removal of trees from the site would allow the replanting of natives.
Cr Cox also said the development had the potential to improve the amenity of the area.
“In my opinion anything would be better than what’s there,” he said as he looked at photos of the proposed site.
Objectors, however, say the area is just fine as it is and are calling for a consultation meeting to allow the councillors to view first-hand their concerns, especially in regard to access on to Badger Creek Road.