474 Whitehorse Road Surrey Hills VIC 3127

Construction of twelve (12) dwellings on a lot.

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We found this application for you on the planning authority's website ago. It was received by them earlier.

(Source: Boroondara City Council, reference PP15/00345)

6 Comments

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  1. Anthony Collings commented

    I believe the proposal for a multi dwelling development on this site to be highly inappropriate for the following reasons:

    1. This site is on the corner of James Street, Surrey Hills. James Street houses an unfenced park which is frequented by young children from all over the neighbourhood. Any development of this scale will inevitably increase vehicle traffic in James Street raising the risk of injury to these children to unacceptable levels.

    2. James Street is also unique in that the narrowness of the street does not allow vehicle access where two vehicles are parked on opposite sides of the street. The only solution to this issue is for staggered parking, a situation which is managed effectively by the existing residents who understand this issue and are sensitive to their neighbours needs. Introducing so many new dwellings will bring a multitude of additional cars to this street, be they from owners, tenants or visitors leading to inevitable parking issues and an unacceptable reduction in amenity for all existing residents.

    Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these comments. I trust however that you will give them due consideration when evaluating the application for this development.

    Regards

    Anthony Collings

  2. Roger Grigg commented

    I note that 474 Whitehorse Rd is apparently Zoned GRZ5???? - like all of the blocks on facing the south side of Whitehorse Rd between Langford and Clyde streets Surrey Hills.

    I have had difficulty understanding what this means. Somewhere I read up to 9.5 m high and maybe 10.5 with permission. Now all I can find is what is on page 320 of the Boroondara Planning Scheme where nothing is defined.

    Building 12 flats for $1.6M ($130,000 each) shows contempt for the area, this mystery zoning and is indicative of the sensibility of this proposal. A classy duplex for this site may be appropriate - given the need for more accommodation on tram lines etc, but 12 flats overshadowing adjacent properties which are on lower ground defies sensibility let alone fairplay.

    Where did GRZ5 come from?

    All I can find is what is written on P998 of the Boroondara PS (referred to on P320):
    "C199 9 OCT 2014
    The Amendment implements the recommendations of the Residential
    Zones Standing Advisory Committee.
    The Amendment rezones land from Neighborhood Residential Zone to
    General Residential Zone Schedule 5, corrects a mapping error at 560-
    582 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn and updates the Local Planning Policy
    Framework" (is there a clause about Whitehorse Rd Surrey Hills)

    Residents must be provided with an opportunity to debate proposed Zoning rules before any developer can even apply for a permit. I am yet to find a resident who has been notified about any changes. Those who think they are informed believe that all of the land in this area south of Whitehorse Rd is NRZ3 - as a result of the meeting many attended in Oct last year when the council voted against amendments to place growth zones along main roads and close to transport hubs.

    I object to such a development because

    1. The building and planning rules for this piece land are not readily available to locals - let alone the adjacent residents.

    2. Such a development would overshadow the houses and yards on the South and West side.

    3. Such a development would create a traffic hazard because of the narrowness of James Street (where parking is now staggered), the proximity of a tram stop, and a park further along the street.

    4. A block of 12 flats on one building site of 705 sq m is not in keeping with the rest if the residential developments in this area and surely does meet any planning regulation.

  3. Roger Grigg commented

    I have since had a chat to planning dept at Boroondara Council and GRZ 5 means "open slather"

  4. Mrs. Jolie Magee commented

    I entirely agree with Roger Grigg's concerns.
    My husband and I sent a written submission and also spoke at the RZSAC.
    We were not informed when a decision was made by the planning minister.
    This new GRZ5 has been quietly introduced without any explanation and with no community discussion. How was a developer allowed to apply for a permit when we had no chance to put our objections to this new zone?
    We were concerned about this area being changed from NRZ1 to RGZ1 but this nebulous GRZ5 appears just as damaging to homes in the area. Developments could potentially be even higher than the 13m height of RGZ1, as the height stated is discretionary and there is a paucity of information on other criteria. What has happened to transparency, accountability and community consultation especially when properties are to be rezoned?

  5. Clare J Buckley commented

    Although I live on the other side of Whitehorse Road, I fully endorse the comments made by the residents who stand to lose so much with this GRZ5 zoning.
    There was no rationale for the rezoning-it was a case of "drive-by" selection when the previous planning minister Matthew Guy told the Boroondara Council to increase the areas to be zoned for moderate growth.

    All of us within a kilometre radius and indeed all those wishing to drive along Whitehorse Road will be adversely affected by this population densification and increased traffic and parking.

    I hope that the opportunity next year to vote for our ward representatives will enable us to vote in fresh blood - councillors who will listen and work for their constituents and not for the council. We need a return to democracy , consultation and accountability in Boroondara.

  6. Jolie Magee commented

    I suggest that everyone reads "Reasons for decision to exercise power of intervention
    under section 20(4) of the planning and environment act 1987
    Boroondara Planning Scheme Amendment C199."
    The then Planning Minister decided to exercise his powers to exempt himself from all the requirements of sections 17, 18 and 19 which removes the opportunity for potentially affected parties to be formally notified of the amendment and to have their submissions considered by a Panel. This means that NRZ land has been rezoned to a GRZ5 without any notification, no chance for those affected to have their submissions heard and no community consultation. There was no Natural Justice or procedural fairness.
    I do not understand why Council has not made the community aware of this and also notified potentially affected parties . I understand that Matthew Guy on 1 July 2014 issued ministerial direction no. 16 which requires any future review of approved residential zones to be supported by a Housing Strategy. This should not prevent those affected from putting in their submissions now in readiness for consideration.
    I also do not understand why Council has not put a halt on Planning Permit Approvals until it is in a position to consider submissions and select appropriate areas for rezoning. If it is outside Council's powers to halt Approvals, then ask the present Planning Minister. Has Council made the Planning Minister aware of the situation?

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