A public reserve in South Morang will not be accessible to the public if a proposal before Whittlesea council goes ahead.
The plan would see the 0.6-hectare space leased to Arilla Retirement Village for the next 30 years.
The park is set aside as open space but is currently enclosed in Stockland’s almost-completed development of 155 homes and a community centre at 65 Gordons Road.
At last Tuesday’s meeting, the council resolved to call for submissions from residents living between Vincent Drive, Songbird Court and Pipit Court on the proposed 30-year lease, with no provision of a further term.
Residents recently expressed safety concerns as the reserve is unfenced and is an access point into the village.
Cr Rex Griffin said he was disappointed that the public hadn’t been able to access the reserve.
“That land belongs to the community,” he said. “It’s a public reserve, but the public can’t get there. We must make sure we never allow this to happen again.”
