By Jed Lanyon
Yarra Ranges councillors have unanimously approved the planning application for a Launching Place property that had previously been identified as a fire safety risk by a council officer.
The property development at 215 Milners Road, Launching Place received the tick of approval from the CFA for meeting bushfire safety standards.
Bushfire consultant Sally Van de Paverd informed the councillors about some of the features that will be implemented to minimise the risk of bushfire.
“The whole roof can be plugged and flooded like a shower base, which is the most ingenious design I’ve seen in any fire rated building. You could actually light a fire on top of it, it’s that solid.”
“There isn’t any long fire runs. The vegetation is not what I would consider a high risk in large runs.
“The longest distance to travel through high risk vegetation is 750 metres.
“The dwelling has been designed particularly well. It’s probably the best design that I have ever seen to cater for flame contact.”
Councillor Jim Child described the property plan as a bunker above the ground.
Ms Van de Paverd said that a few planning options were considered for the land.
“This was a massive decision and a long process. I looked at three different sites on the block,” Ms Van de Paverd said.
The chosen site was considered as it would require less than two CFA hose lengths to reach the property.
“It also enables people who are in there to get out a lot easier.”
Ms Van de Paverd was so impressed by the application that she said she would be recommending it to be submitted for an award.
