Whittlesea council has knocked back applications for three large housing developments.
Councillors last week rejected separate applications to build three double-storey dwellings in Rosedale Drive, Lalor; four double-storey dwellings in Romeo Drive, Mill Park; and three double-storey and one single-storey building in Travers Street, Thomastown.
Cr Sam Alessi said while more housing was needed in the growth municipality, developments had to be appropriate.
He said the Mill Park proposal was “completely inconsistent” with the council’s housing strategy.
Councillors unanimously refused the application on the grounds that it did not allow enough room for vegetation or car parking, and there was an inappropriate front entry to the one of the dwellings.
“This proposal is one of many we have discussed tonight which are clearly an overdevelopment of the sites they are planned for,” Cr Alessi said.
He said the proposed entrance of one of the rear dwellings at Romeo Drive was blocked by car spaces. “What happens if there is an emergency and somebody needs to get in with a stretcher?”
Cr Norm Kelly urged the council to tighten regulations for developments like the one proposed for Mill Park. “The developers are simply trying to jam as many dwellings as possible into a space which is completely too small.”
