PlanningAlerts

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1. This 7 storey student building will ruin Murrumbeena. It is likely this construction will be done cheaply and as we have previously seen with the last time this planning alert was sent through over 55 members of the community strongly commented that this is not something they would like! https://www.planningalerts.org.au/applications/1332178

2. To Whom it may concern,

   From the outset. 7 Stories is obscene.
   Completely towering over any local building in the area. Student accommodation in and of itself is sub par living where the developer is profit focused from the start. Do we really want a faceless soulless profit driven developer to exploit our community with such plain intentions? To top that off, a reduction in the parking requirements. These requirements were made for a reason and allowing developers to subvert them defies the point of regulation in the first place. More congestion in an already tight area.

   I purchased a property in the area and have called Murrumbeena home for close to two years now. This type of modern day student cattle farming is not going to serve the community in any way and is offensive to the heritage this planning permission seeks to destroy.

3. How is this in the best interest of the Murrumbeena community? The decision made on this development with framed the future of the Murrumbeena Neerim Rd Village. I would be extremely disappointed if this development went a head.

4. I think it’s a great idea. Having more people in the Murrumbeena CBD will attract investment in better cafes and shops.

5. No idea how this is considered a great idea for our beloved community. Murrumbeena is well populated with many people coming from nearby burbs (Carnegie, Ormond, Oakleigh, etc) to support the local businesses. Having a student accommodation will be the beginning of an end, turning Murrumbeena into a soulless haunt, lacking character.

   It will set the precedence for over populated, multi-storey buildings where the only people who will benefit from this are the greedy developers who probably live in quaint suburbs which has character. And will most likely protest against other developers developing similar accommodation in their suburbs.

   Go figure....
   

6. Seven stories is insane and I assume a deliberate over reach with the developer hoping that they will be knocked back to five or six.
   Why student accommodation? How close is the nearest University? Or even TAFE for that matter? Seems illogical and out of place.
   A reduction in parking will only congest the train station and surrounding residential car parking.
   And the only way a build like this would lead to more eateries or cafes is if they included some in their scope of works.
   A big no thanks you from me.

7. I am very concerned that if this goes ahead, each time a student leaves and moves out, they will pile up their unwanted furniture on the footpath. Microwave, study chair, pedestal fan, IKEA desk, pots and pans etc etc. Just wait, it will happen.

8. We own one of the apartments on the top level opposite this site on Murrumbeena road. Our complex is 2-story and fits in with the surrounding buildings.

   Our fear is that any apartments that are above our height of 2 stories, will be able to see directly into our bedroom, lounge room, and entire balcony, leaving us with no privacy.

   We're also concerned about losing the natural light and the shadow that would be cast onto our apartment.

   We're not opposed to a development on this vacant block, but the design and the height of the development needs to be in line with the other surrounding buildings.

9. This development is oversize for the area, it will not blend with local buildings nor community expectations - as "Student Housing" it can be nothing more than simply that into the future - with no students for the foreseeable future how is this a viable proposal. Surely appropriate housing (residential apartments) of a suitable level (4 storey?) next to a transit hub would be a more appropriate use of the land?

10. Being an international student that has lived in murrumbeena for over 4 years, I am confident that the proposed program will only do harm to the community. Those student accommodations outrageously ripping off international students by renting out tiny rooms at a ridiculous price. With heavy inflow of students, it will only exacerbate the congestion in the adjacent roads. More importantly, it will heavily impact on the community cohesion. Lastly, the average height of buildings in the murrumbeena shopping strips are 2 to 3 floors. Having a 7-floor building overlooking murrumbeena village is just out of tune.

11. This has been rejected before. This is not in the interests of the local community. There is more than enough student accomodation in the area. I know that for a fact from my real estate agent. Let’s keep the heritage feel of the area and totally reject this application. How about making something that is going to enhance the community and not trash it???

12. Vacancy rates are over 6% and it's going to be a long time before we get the number of overseas students we used to have.
    In other words these apartments will either sit vacant for along time or will need to lease rents.
    Now is not the time or place to have more large apartment complexes built.

13. This proposal is not in the best interest of the community.

    Failure to provide adequate car parking in line with the minimum standards will negatively impact surrounding residents as an excessive number of cars compete for limited untimed parking spaces.

    Building height in excess of three stories will be completely imposing to the skyline and surrounding residences.

    No matter what kick backs the developer is offering to council members to pass this ludicrous proposal, there should be some degree of community interest and integrity.

14. Totally not necessary in the area. Already plenty of vacant accommodation in close proximity to all the educational facilities. Murrumbeena needs to go back to the days of having a village atmosphere. It's a sad shopping strip at the moment. How many massage places do we need. I lived in Dandenong road over 40 years ago and catch the train at Murrumbeena station. Most nights I went to the supermarket on the corner and got my evening supplies. I moved back into Murrumbeena 16 years ago, it had a butchers, fruit shop, bakery, supermarket, chemist and a newsagent. All that's left is the chemist and bakery. We need to have a commitment from a supermarket chain or a medical practice to take space in the ground level of any development. So many developments in the suburbs have vacant shops underneath and stay empty. Murrumbeena needs so life injected into the area and student accommodation is not the answer it would be a backward step. Reject this proposal.

15. Do not let Murrumbeena become an over developed mess like Carnegie.

    Proposal should be binned and any suggestion of residential tenancy should be capped to two levels in line with the surrounding structures.

    Commercial tenancy ideal.

16. Whilst I am a strident supporter of innovation design concepts and initiatives that stimulate economic prosperity - have to say, in the event that the current application is even remotely based on the previous submission it would fail both tests dismally. The design aesthetic of the previous submission was absolutely hideous and completely out of character with the local precinct. The premise that student accommodation would create economic stimulus is questionable at best.

    The net result is a monstrosity of a building that will become a blight on the Murrumbeena community for decades, devaluing and dismantling the fabric of community spirit forever.

    Credit has to be paid to the City of Glen Eira for imposing a heritage overlay on this precinct specifically to address applications such as these.

17. Seven stories is unacceptable the Murrumbeena Village. The increase in traffic ( students do own cars) will increase congestion on that corner which is already horrendous around peak hour even without rail gates. If allowed to proceed, it will set a precedent for taller business and the shopping strip will become a soulless wind tunnel. I strongly object.

18. Can anyone highlight what changes are proposed verses the original application?

19. The build overshadows neighbouring property, causing loss of light.
    The build overlooks other homes, causing loss of privacy.
    The builds appearance is out of character with existing properties in Murrumbeena Village.
    Lack of parking will cause cars to spill over in neighbouring streets and railway parking.

20. The height, bulk, scale and form of the proposed development is "NOT" acceptable!
    Sufficient car parking is "NOT" provided.
    The proposed building does "NOT" respect the existing neighbouring character.

21. I live in Melbourne Street and I can tell the Council that my visitors CANNOT get a park in the street, so the lack of adequate parking previously proposed for this structure is ridiculous. Students own cars! My previous objections to this development have not changed just because it's moved from 9 to 7 storeys. The sheer bulk of the property will overshadow existing residences, building use is not appropriate for the suburb, the scale of the development is NOT IN KEEPING with the Murrumbeena Village. Glen Eira Councillors we need you to protect what little character is left in the area.

22. The proposed development is too high for Murrumbeena Village and would visually overwhelm the heritage fabric. The bulk of a seven storey building is inconsistent with the heritage streetscape of Neerim Road.

23. The amended plans from 9 to 7 storeys is definitely still not appropriate for the site and surrounding area. This extreme height at 7 storeys is unacceptable and will cause immense impact to the amenity of nearby properties. The reduction in car parking will just exacerbate the already high demand for parking in Melbourne Street.

24. I know this has already been knocked back a few times, and hopefully it'll soon be over with once and for all. The proposed designs show no thought for Murrumbeena residents and I hope to god it isn't allowed to go ahead. Nobody wants a 7 storey student boarding facility in the tiny Murrumbeena village.

25. Dear Sir/Madam

    I am writing to express my concern about the proposed new 7 storey building of 1 bedroom bedsits at 430 -434 Neerim Road. I am a resident on Neerim Road.

    This is inappropriate for the area which is low rise historic buildings, predominantly retail. I strongly believe this type of building will be detrimental for the area. Especially in a post covid world, we should be seeing larger apartments and not tiny bedsits from greedy developers.

    A lower apartment building with decent size dwellings of 2 or 3 bedrooms would be much more appropriate for the area (and the tenants).

    I strongly hope the council looks at this seriously and does not approve this high rise application.

    Warm regards

    Victoria

26. The proposed development includes 20 car spaces for 88 apartments - this is completely inadequate.

    If this is approved, it will result in dozens of cars being parked full time at Murrumbeena station, meaning the carpark will be full by 7am when we return to post-COVID normal. This will discourage public transport use by genuine commuters - just when the city will need it to recover from the pandemic.

    Why should public car parking space be used subsidize private developers' profits? Compel them provide adequate parking and reject their application to reduce the parking requirement.

27. The proposed development is out of scale with its surroundings, fails to to protect the heritage feel of the Murrumbeena Village area and does not have adequate parking for the number of residences proposed.

    The type of residences proposed should also be reconsidered given that COVID-19 has caused a lack of international students, and also raises significantly the amount of ventilation required in buildings.

28. Our business is situated next door and and once again we strongly object to this application.

    The building is too high and does not fit with the heritage village of Murrumbeena.
    The rooms are so small they are only suitable for students, backpackers and other transcient people.
    We already have a problem with people dumping rubbish on our nature strip.
    We are also worried about lack of parking.

    Housing more suitable for permanent residents would be better for the community.

    We have operated a business in Murrumbeena for twenty years, love the area and people.

    We respectfully urge Council to reject this application.

    The Collector

29. This is the third time I have had to make an objection about this inappropriate development of a heritage building within the shopping village of Murrumbeena. It will be detrimental to the local area, not adding anything to enhance the local environment for residents. It is way too large at 7 storeys with inadequate parking allocation for the 88 apartments. It will mean the occupants will clog up the car parking across the street meant for train station travellers. The development is unappealing and lacks any refinement with its ugly bulky design filling the block with no sympathy with its surroundings. It will be a blight on the streetscape. I question the need for such tiny cheap apartments aimed at students especially with CoVid restrictions in place. Where is the demand? There are currently a number of available rentals and affordable apartments for sale in the area that could cater for those needing such accommodation, for example around Carnegie station. The owners of the site need to seriously rethink this inappropriate plan for the area. I ask the council again to please reject this application.

30. We own and live in the second level / top-level apartment on 51 Murrumbeena road that is directly opposite this site. If this proposed building is approved and built, all of the apartments above level 3 will be able to see directly into our bedroom, lounge room and our entire balcony. I fear that we will lose all of our privacy and our lives will be on show for everyone in these proposed apartments to watch and view at their leisure.

    Based on the height and the loss of my privacy we object strongly to the current design and height of the building. We would also be losing the view of the Dandenong mountains and morning sunlight/shadow.

    If the plans were amended to be in line with other buildings height in the area, we would not be objecting. As per other comments in this thread, a building that is 3 stories high would be in line with other buildings in the area.

    DM

31. We strongly object to the proposed seven story apartment complex 430-434 Neerim Road. This structure is not in keeping with the heritage and height of the surrounding buildings, and will stand out significantly in the environment.

    The lack of car parks per dwelling is of great concern as the overflow will be utilising the public car spaces including the train station carpark full time. The inability for commuters and shoppers to access the Murrumbeena shopping strip is of grave concern.

    We urge the council to ensure the height of this building is in keeping with the environment of Murrumbeena and that the building contains the infrastructure to meet the needs of its dwellers without an overflow into public areas.

32. Glen Eira council, please consider the impact of this on the community. This is a suburb that could benefit from a thoughtful development but what you have here has the power to do more damage that good.

33. This building is completely inappropriate for the area as it will be an eyesore and there aren’t enough car spaces to accommodate the tenants.
    It will be a bad decision for Murrumbeena if it goes ahead.

34. Murrumbeena community not required such a huge building.

35. Students are going to turn this place and it’s surroundings into a dump in no time. For 7 years I’ve been living in carnegie in a 10 dwelling apartment complex. 5 of these were student rentals which were never occupied by the same tenant for more than 6 months. On exit of the old tenants and entry of the new ones they would always leave a mess in the complex and on the nature strip. It’s not what’s needed in inner suburbs. These types of complex’s should only be on main highways.

36. Do not see why it should not conform to the heights of surrounding buildings and other accomodations all down murrumbeena road and surrounding area.
    The building will be a eye sore, blocking the morning sun for over half the station area.
    Truly hoping that greed does not prevail and the local government can alter this to 2-3 stories.

37. Whilst this is a polarising development due to the contrast it brings against the majority of houses in the area another year elapsed with the current decaying monstrosity is not beneficial to the community at all.

    Bring the benefits of affordable accommodation to drag this suburb out of the past.

38. I object to the proposed seven-storey student accommodation at 430-434 Neerim Road Murrumbeena VIC 3163. The proposed building is not in keeping with the character of Murrumbeena and its surrounds. I struggle to think of any other buildings in Murrumbeena that are also seven storeys high. The proposed ratio of dwellings to car parking spaces is also unacceptable: it is unreasonable to assume that students will not use cars, particularly given the avoidance of public transport due to pandemic-related concerns. With many other affordable, more livable options available to students in the area, including multi-room apartments or house share arrangements, to other student accommodation situated at the doorstep of Monash University in Caulfield and Clayton, the demand for such student accommodation in Murrumbeena is questionable. This is even more apparent given international study options in Melbourne are scarce. I struggle to see student accommodation in Murrumbeena as a genuine competitive commercial opportunity. In keeping with the surrounding area, this site would be better developed as a 2-3 storey boutique apartment building that serves to attract long-term residents than a transient student population.

39. I am strongly opposed to this development due to the height, reduction in car spaces and the fact that many nearby student accommodation looks so cheap and awful. This simply does not suit the village, and will set a dangerous precedent for the area.

40. I oppose this proposed development as a resident of Murrumbeena due to the lack of consideration of the impact that this proposed 7 story building will have to the surrounding businesses, residents and streetscape. Designed only to maximise profit for the developer and no benefit to the community.

    A proposal more inline with surrounding residences (3-4 story max) and in keeping with the historic feel of Murrumbeena village, with realistic consideration of parking requirements would be more appropriate.

41. Glen Eira council we trust you will reject these plans and insist to on a development that is in keeping with the vibe of Murrumbeena Village.

42. I object to the proposed development at 430-434 Neerim Road Murrumbeena VIC 3163. While I understand the benefits of higher densities and reduced parking near public transport, the proposed seven-story building is not in keeping with the character, values, and community atmosphere of Murrumbeena and its surrounds. The visuals suggest that it would be of questionable aesthetic and quality, for short-term rental by students.

    I value diversity and suggest a high quality combination of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units for families which can also accommodate students and young couples or professionals. Reduced parking can reduce emissions by encouraging alternative transport use, but 20+ spaces for 88 units is simply unrealistic. Commercial units should also be provided in different sizes to attract a greengrocer or similar retail and services needed by the community.

    In general, a high density development will bring economic and social benefits to the community, but it has to be within the range of community acceptance. I trust

43. Not in character with the surrounds of the suburb.

    This is just a money making grab by the developer. When it comes to student accommodation this is done purely for profit and does not provide for decent accommodation.

    7 stories, even 3 stories does not fit in with the surrounding buildings. Reduction in parking will see murrumbeena station and surrounding street parking consumed making it difficult for local residents to park and use public transport.

    Council needs to step up and stop this ongoing visual damage to the area that's been going on for too long and because of the $$$.

    The nearest student need is 2 suburbs away. Totally inappropriate.

    Council did nothing to stop sky rail or seek a below ground alternative. As this to it the sky line and it makes for an ugly murrumbeena and loss of the one time village feel

44. As a resident of Murrumbeena Rd I write to object to the amended planning permit of the following basis:
    1. Does not meet the any of the housing criteria in the Our City Plan:
    a. well-located medium-density family housing – Single dwelling short term lease
    b. age-friendly housing – No provision for mixed age accommodation.
    c. safe single housing – Whilst it may be considered for this, the accommodation on offer is high turnover student accommodation. This is not in line with Safe Single Housing.
    d. affordable housing for our community’s most vulnerable – Students are not vulnerable, they have a range of appropriate accommodation types available to them.
    2. Lack of Liveable Design - Throughout the apartment building the standard of design is extremely poor and includes:
    a. Only 16m3 in some apartments (Eg lots 111, 112) how are they going to meet building code for clearances and fire safety?
    b. Apartments with the bed against the lift shaft (lot 117 / 213 )
    c. No windows shown on drawings (Lot 117)
    d. It is unclear how the apartments will meet the natural light penetration requirements – Some are facing south with only small windows with shade shrouds.
    e. Lack of consideration of privacy – The building will be at train height how has privacy been considered further it will look into exisiting dwellings on Murrmbeena Rd - How will they have quiet enjoyment if their privacy is removed?
    f. No demonstrable heating / cooling and how this may affect the aesthetic of the building
    3. Lack of Consideration for Commercial / Retail Space
    a. No loading dock or consideration of how deliveries would be made
    b. No parking for workers
    c. No toilet facilities for retail space
    d. No office or storage for two spaces
    4. Poor design for light and community impact
    a. Light shaft on eastern side of the building moving this to the north/western side would improve winter heat dynamics and increase set backs from Murrumbeena Rd.
    b. Communal space only has western facing windows
    c. Building bulges in the centre reducing setbacks designed to harmonise the building – These bulges need to be reconsidered.
    5. Lack of basic services in Murrumbeena for students
    With 88 residences with only basic kitchen facilities Murrumbeena lacks the services needed for a student. There is no local supermarket, bars, pubs or services open beyond 8pm.
    6. Lack of adequate parking for 88 apartments - In a post covid world more residence are using their own car.

    Should you wish to discuss please contact me.

45. The height of this proposed residence is crazy, at 7 stories this is not keeping with the area. With all surrounding properties being 2 stories, this monstrosity would be an eye-sore and not in keeping with the area.
    Student housing also is inappropriate, usually being built on the cheap, in a well established family area that is not very close to a University.
    There is definitely not enough parking planned for in a tight street that is already surrounded by shops and the need for parking near the train. We are already pressed to get a park in our own street.
    Already some shops bins are wheeled to Melbourne St, but this street would then be a dumping ground of rubbish for a crazy amount of inappropriate apartments also.
    Please stop this going ahead and only allow a maximum of 3 stories, keeping heritage lines with appropriate size apartments not done on the cheap. Thank you.

46. Seven stories is inappropriate in a suburban street. Street parking is limited already, an increased population to this extent will create huge issues. Low cost accommodation will also bring its own negative effects to region.

47. While I support redevelopment of the site, it needs to be a building in keeping with the neighbourhood. There is significant concern about the current design within the community. Seven stories is too high and the type of accommodation is inappropriate. The lack of parking will cause significant congestion.

48. I object to the proposed student accommodation at 430-434 Neerim Road Murrumbeena VIC 3163 based on the following;

    • Out of character
    The building is too high and does not fit with the heritage village of Murrumbeena. Certainly a heritage listed building, the current design is ultra modern and not in keeping with the character of the village.

    • Overshadowing
    At 7 stories this will block valuable sunshine and will cast a shadow over buildings opposite on Murrumbeena Road. and the Open plan community seating area at the corner of Neerim and Murrumbeena Roads.

    • Overlooking/Loss of privacy
    The windows/balconies will look straight into the residential buildings opposite.

    • Lack of car parking
    Complete lack of car parking, overflow will take up valuable street parking and use up commuter parking at Murrumbeena station.

    I respectfully urge Council to reject this application.

49. This is an affront to the residents and visitors to Murumbeena, an area recognised by many (including the council) as having a "village feel" ...one way to destroy what we have, and what we offer to vistors is to build an in imposing and inapropriate structure in the very heart of the village.
    I object to this very poor proposal in the strongest terms

50. Sorry but what students are we catering for? I, like many others in this area, moved here for the heritage, the safety, the space and for the regrowth of a local community that thrives on neighbourly warmth. One where I won’t feel scared to walk down the Main Street because it’s shadowed from a building that towers past the rest of the existing structures, and where I don’t have to fight for carparks to pop into the post office, or to pick up the fish and chips. Sorry but it’s a known fact that all student housing brings increased dumping of rubbish, cars parked illegally as they are inadequately catered for in the building to which they live, and quite frankly, overpopulating a crowded area. No thank you.

    How about we repurpose the building? Is it not heritage listed? How about bring back some charm and character to the Main Street there. Post Covid lockdowns businesses will be jumping for new locations to begin fresh.

51. 7 stories is so much larger than anything in the area, would not support anything of this height.
    The Neerim Rd/Murrumbeena VIllage area feels like it should remain a commercial space not residential,( or at the least with commercial operations on the base level in keeping with the village feel)
    If it were to become residential accommodation at above 3-4 levels, i think this will cause overshadowing issues for residents nearby.
    At 3 stories i could see this being an appropriate height in the area and helping meet the needs for increased housing accommodation in the area.

52. I know this has already been knocked back a few times, and hopefully it'll soon be over with once and for all. The proposed designs show no thought for Murrumbeena residents. Parking is already limited and the surrounding roads busy, the station carpark fills up quickly outside of lockdown and the shops are bustling. There is no room for a massive structure intended to house students and I object to its construction. Hopefully, we'll see a well considered proposal in the near future that is in keeping with Murrumbeena Village that residents are happy with.

53. I strongly object to the new proposed plans for the 7 story student housing in Murrumbeena. There is no thought or community input into the proposed site and the new build is not in keeping to the heritage aspect of the old food works site. The developer needs to take into account the surrounding areas and what is actually needed in the area. We don’t want a towering building overshadowing Murrumbeena rd. The size of the proposed apartments is appalling. Surely covid has proven residents need larger living spaces. The building should be no more than 4 stories high and consist of 2 or 3 bed apartments. There are multiple reasons as to why this development should not go ahead and I hope the council see this. Please reconsider the proposed plan for the local Murrumbeena community.

54. This development is inappropriate in scale and adversely impacts the character of the neighbourhood. Low rise development is more in keeping with the area and reduces impact to current residents.

55. I strongly oppose the proposed development at 430-434 Neerim Road Murrumbeena as described in planning permit application reference GE/DP-34345/2021.

    In my opinion the development is inappropriate, needless, and if it were allowed to proceed, would be degrading the neighbourhood character of Murrumbeena.

    The proposed height is merely one level shorter in comparison to the dog-box apartments being built at Caulfield Village. And by the looks of the drawings, the Better Apartments Design Standards were ignored. Or don't Student accomodations deserve the same standards?

    For a proper comparison we only have to look at 1525 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh. Its a 7 storey building but with only 69 units. Of the 69 units, it is estimated that 45% are leased. Of that 45%, 24 units were leased in the last 12 months. That means that, on average, a tenant moved in or out of a unit every 7.5 days. Thats a lot of foot traffic not to mention moving vans. (Stats from domain.com.au/building-profile).

    The corner of Murrumbeena & Neerim Rds cannot accomodate the same development as 1525 Dandenong Road with a proposed 88 rooms ALL leased.

    Student Housing Australia alone manages over 600 properties between Monash Clayton and Caulfield Campus not including other 1 bedroom properties scattered in-between. A quick search on rent.com and realestate.com.au for 1 bedroom apartments under $250 p/w returns over 100 results of 1 bedders in the 3163 and surrounds category.

    I respectfully urge Council to reject this application.

56. I strongly oppose the proposed development at 430-434 Neerim Road Murrumbeena as described in planning permit application reference GE/DP-34345/2021.

    In my opinion the development is inappropriate, needless, and if it were allowed to proceed, would be degrading the neighbourhood character of Murrumbeena.

    The proposed height is merely one level shorter in comparison to the dog-box apartments being built at Caulfield Village. And by the looks of the drawings, the Better Apartments Design Standards were ignored. Or don't Student accomodations deserve the same standards?

    For a proper comparison we only have to look at 1525 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh. Its a 7 storey building but with only 69 units. Of the 69 units, it is estimated that 45% are leased. Of that 45%, 24 units were leased in the last 12 months. That means that, on average, a tenant moved in or out of a unit every 7.5 days. Thats a lot of foot traffic not to mention moving vans. (Stats from domain.com.au/building-profile).

    The corner of Murrumbeena & Neerim Rds cannot accomodate the same development as 1525 Dandenong Road with a proposed 88 rooms ALL leased.

    Student Housing Australia alone manages over 600 properties between Monash Clayton and Caulfield Campus not including other 1 bedroom properties scattered in-between. A quick search on rent.com and realestate.com.au for 1 bedroom apartments under $250 p/w returns over 100 results of 1 bedders in the 3163 and surrounds category.

    I respectfully urge Council to reject this application.

57. I strongly oppose the proposed development at 430-434 Neerim Road Murrumbeena as described in planning permit application reference GE/DP-34345/2021.

    I like many others in this area, moved here for the heritage, the safety, the space and for the sense of a local community that is underpinned by Murrumbeena’s beauty.

    I’m hopeful that we'll see a well measured proposal in the near future that is in keeping with Murrumbeena Village that residents are happy with.

    Thank you for reading

58. I am against this development. There is a significant lack of parking in this build for the number of apartments. It will put further pressure on the limited street parking in the area. Also the building height and design is not in keeping with the historic nature of the area and will be a blight on the streetscape and further detract from the village feel if murrumbeena. I believe we don’t need further student accomodation in the area when there is so much vacant student accomodation closer to the uni. Further, this will negatively impact the value of apartments in the area.

59. I am strongly against this development for the safety of the community.
    The roads are already dangerous enough as it is in that area without adding a large number of cars to the streets for parking. Look at the issues the apartments have caused on Koornang road and the recent deaths involved.
    As others have mentioned it will be an absolute monstrosity of a building and and ruin the area like the ones opposite Carnegie station.
    Hopefully the council will make the right decision on this matter

60. I strongly object to the construction of this inappropriate ‘cookie cutter’ construction. This site should be rewarded with a development that embraces diversity in Murrumbeena. By all means build an apartment block with 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, which will attract young families, couples along with students. The planned proposal will not enhance the feel of Murrumbeena and will only bring added pressure and negativity as residents will park their cars in neighbouring streets and at the train station. With the proposed style of accommodation, there will also be a constant flow of discarded furniture and household items lining the streets. To the developers, instead of the proposed soulless and inappropriate development, be daring and build something amazing that will be embraced by locals and enjoyed by future residents.

61. Student accommodation at this location is completely inappropriate. Murrumbeena village is not suitable for such transient inhabitants. It is a lovely mid/outer suburb suitable for young families and empty nesters and student accommodation en masse would ruin the character and appeal of this suburb. I disagree with mass student accommodation in general unless it is provided by universities on site, that is the only way it would make sense otherwise students should live in apartments and blend in with the rest of the housing landscape and not be identified as a seperate community. We should not be providing mass locations for low cost transient accommodation - haven’t we learnt anything from public housing of the past. The site is in obvious need of some form of development, but would be suitable for a nice mid level apartment development for a mixed range of accommodation in keeping with the diversity and broad range of community appeal. Some tenants may end up as students but not provided ‘on the cheap’ for this purpose alone. This would just be irresponsible planning for the future of our suburbs.

62. This project would impede on the any capability to improve the quality of shopping/lifestyle for Murrumbeena's Neerim Road section alongside Murrumbeena Station. There is already a significant population who are waiting on the development of businesses and services that are modern and sustainable products. Currently, there are too few businesses to quantify a proper community hub, and placing student accommodation does not incentivise any more than the inclusion of a few stores potentially at the ground level of this building. It will likely ignore aesthetic design and as we have seen from examples in Carnegie.

    Furthermore, the living standards are compromised for economic living. If any type of accommodation were to be placed in this area, it should be made to the minimum standards of a two child, two parent family and used as a place for long term, not short term living.

    Any focus of Neerim Road should be placed on increasing consumer traffic towards developing and current businesses. The council should also consider a pop-up road closure for outside seating, with subsidies for upcoming businesses and for current business on the street to improve branding/sales performance. This is a long term plan and requires residents who are looking to live and stay living in Murrumbeena. If any compromise should be made to include this project, the development of apartments should be suited to families, not shared or student accommodation. Gentrification does not come with increasing the population with younger impermanent residents, who already have a plethora of choice in student accommodation around Melbourne.

63. Student accommodation at this location is completely inappropriate. Murrumbeena village is not suitable for such transient inhabitants. It is a lovely mid/outer suburb suitable for young families and empty nesters and student accommodation en masse would ruin the character and appeal of this suburb. I disagree with mass student accommodation in general unless it is provided by universities on site, that is the only way it would make sense otherwise students should live in apartments and blend in with the rest of the housing landscape and not be identified as a seperate community. We should not be providing mass locations for low cost transient accommodation - haven’t we learnt anything from public housing of the past. The site is in obvious need of some form of development, but would be suitable for a nice mid level apartment development for a mixed range of accommodation in keeping with the diversity and broad range of community appeal. Some tenants may end up as students but not provided ‘on the cheap’ for this purpose alone. This would just be irresponsible planning for the future of our suburbs.

64. With all talk and emphasis about mental health lately, and with Melbournians spending months in lockdown due to Covid-19 outbreaks - has anyone given real consideration to the size and design of those living spaces? They resemble prison cells!! e.g. L01-112.
    What would the mental impact be on a student living in such a confined space?
    Are we going to allow this development just because it's for students and we don't care?
    Clearly it benefits the developers who want to slice it thinly as possible to get more units in. If any type of accommodation is missing in this area it's quality spacious apartments and not these sad depressing cells. Surely they won't promote the wellness of their intended occupants.
    I hope this application be rejected or else it will be a blight on the community and area.

65. I urge all decision makers to consider the principles of regenerative re-use as it applies to our urban built environment. If this building was in Brunswick, Brighton or Berlin a clever developer would have recognised its potential to be more than it is currently. And more than the current State planning and heritage laws provide for. This development can be more than its facade.
    The site could be a dual use Montessori childcare centre, using old Foodworks footprint, a Council-run gallery or arts space, a local history centre, a pop-up organic food hub and charity kitchen, a mens/womens/equally abled/ teenagers hub (a Shed) for creating things for the community, safe place for drop-ins and community or charity-run kitchen, a University-supported student hub for low income and socially-engaged students (both regional and international), a place to fix-up bikes, etc etc etc. An all with a perhaps a second - or maybe third storey (ie. upper level) residential apartment build (all relevant laws compliant).
    The fact that it is not in any of those places should not limit the imaginations and hopes of the citizens of Murrumbeena.

66. I have been a student at Monash University for five years now and I strongly encourage the development of more affordable housing within walking distance of public transport.
    Murrumbeena is a prime location for students of Monash as well as those needing to commute the reasonable 16kms into Melbourne CBD. Given that the median house sale price for Murrumbeena is currently sitting just above 1.6 million, there is a definite need for more affordable housing options.
    Melbourne is set to become the fastest growing capital city in Australia from 2023-2024 onwards with the population anticipated to skyrocket to 5.9 million by 2030. The take away here is people have to live somewhere, whilst you may be fortunate enough to already have secure housing, many don't. Murrumbeena is a fantastic suburb and I have faith that it's character and charm will remain with the addition of affordable apartments at the expense of a dilapidated foodworks.

67. I strongly oppose this and any other similar development in the future.
    I moved to Murrumbeena from Sydney with my family at 16 in 1982. Family and community needs should be the priority for any development of this site. It would be a travesty to see this reduced to a cheap build and student accommodation corner.
    This corner is not suitable for any type of residential development.
    I agree with my fellow community members that this would be an eyesore and not in keeping with the Murrumbeena Village shopping strip.
    This particular space requires commercial development in keeping with community and heritage building requirements.
    Privacy issues with overlooking levels and the overshadowing of other residential and commercial buildings are a consideration that cannot be overlooked.
    Car parking is a huge issue and requirements should not be reduced or removed.
    Please do not destroy Murrumbeena Village!

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