50 Wattle Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122

How can 6 stories and 35 units fit into this environment? Recent planning rule changes may permit such high density, however the local environment must be taken into account. Not only is such a development so outrageously out of compatibility with the immediate and more general neighbourhood the impact of 35 units in such a tight streetscape and the resultant congestion MUST be challenged!
Wattle Road and especially Carson Crescent are incapable of handling such density. Recent developments in upper Wattle Road have been restricted to 3 floors and there can be no justification for anything other than the same restrain being applied to 50 Wattle.
Just the shadowing impact alone on neighbouring sites should be sufficient to reject a 6 floor application. Surely this is an ambit claim to test the Council’s capacity to restrain rapacious developers prepared to exploit recent planning changes with no consideration of the local community.
Three floors at a maximum !

I strongly object to the proposed six-storey development at 50 Wattle Road.

A six-storey building is excessive for this narrow residential street and is completely out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood. A development of no more than three storeys would be far more appropriate and better reflect the existing streetscape.

This proposal will result in significant overshadowing, loss of natural sunlight, reduced privacy and a noticeable loss of residential amenity for surrounding homes. It will also increase traffic, parking pressure and construction disruption in a street that is already narrow and congested.

The proposed two-level basement will require extensive excavation, creating prolonged noise, dust, vibration and inconvenience for nearby residents, with potential impacts on underground services and infrastructure.

The removal of mature trees is also a major concern and will further diminish the leafy character that makes Boroondara such a desirable place to live.

As local ratepayers, we expect planning decisions to protect the character and liveability of our neighbourhood. Existing residents should not bear significant and permanent impacts simply to maximise the development potential of a single site.

I respectfully request that Council refuse this proposal or require it to be substantially reduced to a maximum of THREE storeys so that it is compatible with the existing neighbourhood character and better protects the amenity of surrounding residents.

I live in Carson Crescent of which the development of a proposed 6 storey/35 apartment complex on the corner of Wattle and Carson Crescent will adversely affect.

I cannot conceive how a 6 storey complex can possibly be considered for such a narrow residential street. Wattle Road is at best a one way street. The proposed development will overshadow the neighbouring properties, loss of natural light, reduced privacy and add to the already congested parking amenities.

The permit application also asks for permission to remove 'canopy' trees on the property - I strongly object to their removal. Our established trees are what makes living in Hawthorn especially attractive.

I respectfully hope that council reject the current proposal for 50 Wattle Road and consider a more appropriate height of 3 storeys which would be more in keeping with the neighbourhood.

Completly agree with previous comments.

We might need more housing but it should not be done with total disregard to the environment in which they take place. The irony is that these luxurious appartement will be well above the budget of first home buyers.
When Carpe developers bought 48 A and 50 Wattle Road in November 2025, the old rules applied. The 26 May 2026 proposal by the state government was voted a couple of weeks later. The new rules are being taken advantage by the developers. It's an incredible unexpected potential finantial gain for them but these new rules are totally incompatible with the narrow street which already is experiencing congestion. There is a serious safety issue should this proposal goes ahead.

3 storeys is already a stretch but I understand that I need to accept this as long as there is respect to the privacy of neighbours properties and that they don't overshadow their open space.

Jocelyne Schiftan

I am writing to formally object to the proposed six-storey development at 48A and 50 Wattle Road, Hawthorn. I fully agree with and support the broader concerns raised in the objections submitted by my neighbours. While I share their objections regarding the sheer scale and visual bulk of this proposal, my primary concern relates to the severe, unmanageable impact on local traffic and pedestrian safety.

Wattle Road is a narrow suburban street that is already heavily utilised as a thoroughfare by non-local drivers avoiding main arterial roads. Introducing the daily vehicle movements of 35 new dwellings will push the local infrastructure past its breaking point.

Specifically, the overflow traffic funnelling west down Wattle Road will dangerously exacerbate the congestion at the Power Street intersection. Attempting a right turn onto Power Street is already highly hazardous; vehicles travel at high speeds, and traffic frequently banks up, leaving no room to cross the intersection safely. The added volume from this development will make this crossing untenable and inevitably force spillover congestion into surrounding, equally narrow neighbouring streets.

This proposal also importantly presents an unacceptable safety risk to young children. The immediate block services numerous primary schools, including Glenferrie Primary School and St Joseph's Primary School. As a parent of two primary aged children who navigate this area, the prospect of forcing high density traffic onto a narrow, 3.9m wide road heavily used by young pedestrians and cyclists is deeply alarming.

I urge the Council to reject this application or mandate a drastic reduction in its scale to protect the safety, accessibility, and amenity of our neighbourhood.

As a long time resident of wattle road it has become increasingly frustrating trying to navigate the street as building developers disregard space, neighbours & functionality for profit.

Peak hour on this almost one-way road is a nightmare, suggesting to add another 35+ residents will only lead to more struggles. We are a quiet street that cannot support this type of development and should be protected against such builds.

I urge the council to not only reject this build but take action to prevent future constructions of this size from happening in streets that are not designed for such

I formally object to the 6 storey / 35 residences development at 48A / 50 Wattle Road Hawthorn.

Replacing 2 dwellings with 35 dwellings is far too many for a narrow suburban street such as Wattle Road.
The increase in traffic exiting Carson Crescent ( a dead-end street ) onto Wattle Road will be massive and at present the intersection of Wattle, Carson and New streets is dangerous and far too narrow.
Wattle Road is a narrow suburban street that is already heavily utilised as a thoroughfare by non-local drivers avoiding the main arterial roads. Introducing the daily vehicle movements of 35 new dwellings will push the local infrastructure past its breaking point.
This area services numerous primary schools, including Glenferrie Primary School and St Joseph's Primary School as well as an Aged Care home. Primary school kids walk and ride bikes to school and often have to resort to riding on the road due to the narrowness of the footpaths and the foot traffic and the ongoing building works. More traffic will make this road more dangerous.

As to removal of trees – we are constantly advised by State and Local Governments that we need more shade on our streets, so I would expect the council to refuse the request to remove any trees.

6 storeys will be an eyesore to the area and contribute to the ongoing erosion of what makes / made Hawthorn a great place to live.

I would ask that this development be restricted to 3 storeys, 18 dwellings and a single level underground carpark.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed 6-storey apartment development at 48A and 50 Wattle Road, Hawthorn.

While I understand the need for additional housing in Melbourne, I believe this particular development is inappropriate for the existing character and capacity of the surrounding neighbourhood. My concerns are outlined below.

1. Traffic and Parking Impacts

Wattle Road and the surrounding streets are relatively narrow and already experience congestion from local residents, parked vehicles, deliveries, and school-related traffic. A development containing approximately 35 dwellings would significantly increase vehicle movements in the area.

Additional resident and visitor parking demand would place further pressure on Wattle Road, Carson Crescent, Burton Avenue, New Street, Manningham Road, and nearby local streets. Increased traffic would reduce safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and children and make access for emergency vehicles more difficult.

2. Environmental Impacts

The proposal would result in the removal of established canopy trees, including a long-standing oak tree. Mature trees provide important environmental benefits such as shade, cooling, stormwater absorption, improved air quality, and habitat for local wildlife.

Replacing mature trees with new plantings cannot compensate for the immediate loss of canopy cover. The scale of the building would also increase hard surfaces and reduce the green character that currently defines this part of Hawthorn.

3. Impact on Neighbourhood Character

A 6-storey building is substantially larger than the prevailing residential form in the immediate area. The height, bulk, and footprint of the proposed development would dominate the streetscape and alter the quiet residential character of Wattle Road and surrounding streets.

The proposal appears inconsistent with the scale and amenity expectations of existing residents who chose to live in a lower-density neighbourhood.

4. Safety and Security Concerns

A significant increase in population density can place additional pressure on local infrastructure and public spaces. Increased traffic, visitor turnover, delivery activity, and basement access points may create new safety concerns for nearby residents.

Many residents are concerned that the development would reduce the sense of privacy and security currently enjoyed within the neighbourhood.

5. Cumulative and Precedent Effects

Approving a development of this scale may create a precedent for similar high-density projects in nearby streets. This could lead to progressive overdevelopment of an area that is currently characterised by quieter, lower-rise residential housing.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that Boroondara Council refuse the current proposal or require substantial modifications that better reflect the capacity, character, environmental values, and amenity expectations of the local community.

Thank you

To whom it may concern,
Recently I drove down Wattle Road to visit an old friend who was visiting from Sydney. I was surprised that the road was so narrow and that for cars to travel in opposite directions one car had to pull over which was difficult because there was no where to do so. I had to back up and find a space on my side of the street.
Then I read of the application to build a 6 storey apartment building on 48A/50 Wattle Road and was flabbergasted! Wattle Road is a most inappropriate road for such a huge building. Besides dwarfing every other home in sight, it is a very dangerous proposal. Extra traffic on such a narrow road would be unfair for the residents and dangerous for all the school children making their way to school. Three stories is bad enough but 6 is outrageously dangerous.

Formal Objection to Proposed Development at 48A & 50 Wattle Road, Hawthorn

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed six-storey development comprising 35 dwellings at 48A and 50 Wattle Road, Hawthorn. While I acknowledge the need for additional housing within Melbourne, I believe this proposal is excessive in scale for the location and would have significant adverse impacts on traffic safety, neighbourhood character, vegetation, and residential amenity. I respectfully request that Council refuse the current proposal or require substantial modifications, including a reduction in building height to no more than two storeys and a reduction in dwelling numbers to no more than 20 dwellings.
My concerns are outlined below.

1. Traffic Congestion and Road Safety
Wattle Road is already a narrow residential street that experiences significant traffic volumes. The site is situated at an intersection and is located within an area that already accommodates high levels of vehicle movement from residents, visitors, deliveries, and through traffic. Driving along Wattle Road is often challenging due to the combination of parked vehicles and the need to accommodate two-way traffic. Vehicles are frequently required to slow, stop, or manoeuvre around parked cars, creating existing traffic pinch points and safety concerns. The addition of 35 dwellings would generate substantially more vehicle movements throughout the day. Increased resident, visitor, service, and delivery traffic would place further strain on an already constrained road network, resulting in:
• Increased traffic congestion on Wattle Road and surrounding streets.
• Reduced visibility and safety at nearby intersections.
• Greater risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and school-aged children (noting there are 3 primary schools in this area – Glenferrie Primary, St Josephs and Erasmus Primary School).
• Increased difficulty for emergency service vehicles to access the area.
• Additional competition for on-street parking. The local road network is not well suited to accommodating a development of this intensity, and the proposal would exacerbate existing traffic and safety issues.

2. Visual Bulk, Height and Overdevelopment
The proposed six-storey building is significantly out of scale with the surrounding neighbourhood and represents an overdevelopment of the site. Permission was only permitted from 17 March 2026 for development of six storey developments following the Victorian Government's finalization of 25 'train and tram zone activity centres' and it should be noted that this property was purchased in November 2025. It raises the question that given this permission was not available for a development of this size on purchase of the property then what was the developer’s original intent? It could not have been a six-storey structure of 35 dwellings. Whilst on locations like the adjacent Glenferrie Road this type of development with access to a major road could be accommodated, Wattle Road is a narrow, low-rise street. The height and visual bulk of the development would dominate the streetscape and create an imposing building that is inconsistent with the existing residential character of Wattle Road. A building of this scale would be highly visible from surrounding properties and public areas, fundamentally altering the appearance and feel of the neighbourhood. The proposal appears to prioritise maximum development yield at the expense of appropriate design outcomes and community expectations. A development of no more than two storeys would be far more consistent with the existing built form and would integrate more sensitively into the surrounding residential context.

3. Loss of Trees and Vegetation
I am deeply concerned about the removal of existing trees and vegetation associated with the development. Established trees make a significant contribution to the character, environmental quality, and biodiversity of the area. Mature canopy trees provide shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, absorb stormwater, and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. The loss of established vegetation cannot be adequately compensated for by new plantings, which will take decades to reach similar size and environmental value. The removal of existing trees, combined with increased building footprint and hard surfaces, would diminish the green and leafy character that residents value and expect in this neighbourhood.

4. Impact on Neighbourhood Character
The existing character of Wattle Road is defined by its residential scale, established landscaping, and relatively low-rise development pattern. A two-storey apartment building containing approximately 20 dwellings would be consistent with the prevailing neighbourhood character. A three-storey block with 35 apartments would represent a dramatic departure from the scale and form of surrounding development. Residents have chosen to live in this area because of its established amenity and residential character. Approving a development of this scale would undermine those qualities and permanently alter the character of the neighbourhood in a way that many residents consider inappropriate.

5. Residential Amenity Impacts
The increased density associated with the proposal would likely result in a range of amenity impacts for nearby residents, including:
• Increased noise from vehicles, residents, visitors, deliveries, and mechanical equipment.
• Greater activity levels throughout the day and evening.
• Reduced privacy for adjoining properties.
• Overshadowing and loss of outlook.
• Additional pressure on local infrastructure and services.
These impacts would significantly affect the enjoyment of neighbouring properties and diminish the amenity currently experienced by local residents.

6. Inappropriate Scale for the Site
While I support well-designed housing growth in appropriate locations, the scale of this proposal is excessive for this site and its surrounding road network. A more modest development limited to two storeys and no more than 20 dwellings would better balance the need for additional housing with the need to protect local amenity, neighbourhood character, traffic safety, and environmental values. Such a scale would be more respectful of the existing streetscape and more appropriate for the capacity of Wattle Road and surrounding streets.

For all the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the proposed six-storey, 35-dwelling development at 48A and 50 Wattle Road, Hawthorn. I respectfully request that Boroondara Council refuse the application in its current form or require significant amendments that reduce the scale, height, and density of the development. In particular, I ask that Council consider limiting any redevelopment of the site to a maximum of two storeys and no more than 20 dwellings, while retaining as much of the existing tree canopy and vegetation as possible.
Thank you for considering my objection.

Yours sincerely,

Joanne Tremonti

Formal objection to Proposed Development at 48A and 50 Wattle Road Hawthorn

I am writing to object to the proposed six story plus the additional roof mounted infrastructure at the development comprising of 35 apartments at the above address. The proposal is ham fisted and originated from the deeming provisions enacted by Government. It is a one size fits all approach to planning and development and requires immediate consideration for review.

I request that local government object to this development on the strongest terms available.

My concerns are out lined below;

I believe Council should be asked to review both emergency vehicle access and pedestrian safety along Wattle Road, particularly in light of proposed developments that are likely to increase vehicle movements.
1. Emergency vehicle access
Based on my measurements, the available carriageway width is approximately 4.2 metres when vehicles are legally parked on the northern side of Wattle Road. This width is equally reduced at a number of choke points, including:
• intersections;
• Council kerb extensions and traffic-calming treatments;
• street tree plantings; and
• other roadside infrastructure.
Fire Rescue Victoria's guidance for emergency vehicle access demonstrates the space required for modern fire appliances, while the CFA recommends that emergency access routes provide a minimum 3.5-metre trafficable width with 0.5 metres clearance on each side, giving an effective clear access corridor of 4.5 metres. The CFA also advises that approximately 4 metres of clear space should be maintained between parked vehicles on urban streets to allow fire appliances to reach emergencies without unnecessary delay.
Given that sections of Wattle Road are reduced to approximately 4.2 metres, and potentially less at pinch points, it would be appropriate for Council to demonstrate that emergency vehicle access has been assessed and remains suitable under current, proposed and future traffic conditions.
2. Footpath accessibility
The footpaths along Wattle Road already contain numerous permanent obstructions, including:
• power poles;
• street signs;
• service pits and utility infrastructure; and
• street trees and associated landscaping.
These obstructions significantly reduce the available walking space. In many locations it is difficult for a person carrying an open umbrella or walking beside a small child and even walking a pet to remain entirely on the footpath. Pedestrians are often forced to step onto the roadway to pass these obstacles.
The situation becomes considerably worse on waste collection days when residential bins are placed on the footpath, further reducing or completely blocking the available pedestrian path.
Australian accessibility guidance generally seeks to maintain a minimum continuous accessible path of travel of 1.2 metres, with wider clearances preferred wherever possible to accommodate wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and pedestrians travelling side by side. Council should demonstrate that the existing footpaths continue to provide this minimum unobstructed width after accounting for signs, poles, vegetation and waste bins.
3. Increased risk associated with future development
The proposed developments are expected to increase both vehicle ownership and traffic movements within Wattle Road and the surrounding streets.
This increase in traffic will occur in an environment where:
• emergency vehicle access may already be constrained;
• pedestrians are frequently required to leave the footpath to navigate around permanent and temporary obstacles;
• visibility is reduced at several intersections and roadway pinch points; and
• parked vehicles further restrict available road width.
These concerns are heightened because the area serves members of the community who may be more vulnerable, including:
• an aged care facility;
• a nearby primary school;
• children walking to and from school;
• older residents;
• people using wheelchairs, walking frames or mobility aids; and
• parents pushing prams.
Where pedestrians are forced onto the carriageway to bypass obstructions, there is an increased potential for conflict with passing vehicles. As traffic volumes increase, the likelihood of such conflicts also increases. This combination of constrained footpaths, narrow carriageways and additional vehicle movements warrants careful assessment before further development proceeds.