Tara Murray
A Thomastown development which attracted more than 50 objections from residents is set to go ahead after the state’s peak planning body overturned Whittlesea council’s decision to refuse a permit for the project.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last month approved a permit for a 69-dwelling development at 40 Dalton Road, following a hearing in August and September.
Council had refused to issue a permit to Tanyam Nominees Pty Ltd in October last year, citing concerns the development did not comply with sections of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme and that it was an overdevelopment of the site.
The council received 51 objections and a petition against the development containing 242 signatories was also submitted.
Residents raised concerns about transport, traffic and parking impacts, overdevelopment, impacts on neighbourhood character, poor design, noise, impact on property values and non-compliance with the planning scheme.
The developer submitted amended plans to VCAT, including reducing the number of dwellings from 73 to 69 on the site which is adjacent to the Metropolitan Ring Road.
All dwellings are two storeys, while a park is proposed for the north-east section of the site. A common property-private loop road will also be built and there will be visitor parking.
VCAT member Megan Carew said the proposed design response will create a well designed and cohesive cluster housing development.
She said there was no dispute between the two parties that the site was suitable for medium density housing subject to a suitable design response.
She said the site also enjoys a reasonable level of access to services including the Thomastown and Lalor neighbourhood activity centres.
