Hannah Hammoud
A new community housing development in Wollert is a step closer, with Whittlesea council seeking organisations to develop a site on Ashline Street.
Whittlesea council has commenced an expression of interest (EOI) process to lease the land at 1f Ashline Street, Wollert, on a 50-year term for affordable housing.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, April 18 council accepted the recommendation to commence an EOI process to identify a suitable Community Housing Organisation (CHO) that will manage and develop affordable housing on the site.
In 2021 council sought feedback on the same proposal and was met with strong community backlash, with over 2000 people signing an online petition calling for council to consider other avenues for providing affordable housing in the municipality.
Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said there were 3600 households that have an unmet need for affordable housing in the municipality.
“There is a critical shortage of local homes that are affordable for residents on low income, and that number is continuing to grow,” she said,
“We’ve certainly heard loud and clear community concern about issues such as safety, amenity and impact on property values.”
Among a number of other selection criteria, the report recommends that any development response must incorporate a design that integrates with the surrounding neighbourhood character, not exceed two stories in height and be single-detached housing, duplex and townhouse style only.
Ms Wilson said the proposal considers an approach that addresses community concern while still responding to the growing need for affordable housing in the municipality.
“… Because of those comments from residents, the [council] officers have come back with a very considered approach that is recommended to ensure that those concerns are addressed while also, we can deliver a boost to very needed affordable housing,” she said.
“Our engagement with local residents will continue throughout and no doubt they’ll be invited to provide feedback on the draft plans and designs once the suitable community housing organisation is selected.”
