PlanningAlerts

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1. Dear City of Boroondara Council

   I am writing to object the above development at 37 Derby street Kew. As a resident of Derby street I feel that this development will have a major affect on the Derby street landscape. Derby street has a treasured history of historic period homes and will lose its character to the construction of yet another apartment building. We need to restore these beautiful home rather than knock them down. If this beautiful Victorian historical home at number 37 is destroyed, we will lose a part of history and the character to which our street and suburb is known for.
   Furthermore, building yet another apartment block (along side two existing apartment buildings) will change the street density. Theses multi-story developments need to be spread out so they don't dominate any particular street. With another multi-level apartment block there will less parking to already inadequate parking options on the street. In addition, there will be increased traffic in the street.

   As one of many parents of young children walking to our local school at Kew Primary along Derby street and up Malmsbury street, I would be very concerned about the safety of walking to school if this construction went ahead. There would be many demolition and excavation trucks moving in and around the street and would impose an immediate danger to the safety of our children particularly those children that ride their bikes to school.

   The city of Boroondara Planning Scheme and Neighbourhood Character Precinct Statements classifies Derby Street as a 'Precinct 9' which would appear to give residents grounds to object the proposed demolition of an existing period home and the construction of the 4 story 16 apartment building based on some of the following points-
   The preferred character statement says '....ensuring design that intergrates with the heritage styles of the precinct' , 'loss of historical buildings and removal/loss of large trees.
   The Design Guidelines says they need to avoid 'large bulky buildings that dominate adjoining dwellings' and 'block-like apartment buildings which have a footprint that is both wide and deep'

   In summary I wish for you to please consider my objections based on Borrondara council's Precinct 9 code for Derby street in both the destruction of our beautiful heritage landscape of Derby street and in Kew area and the building of an unsightly box-like apartment block that will bring further more traffic and less parking to the area.

   Kind regards
   A Jackson
   Owner - Derby street Kew

   (No donation or gift has been made to either Councillor or Coucil employee)

2. I object to the application.

   The construction of 16 apartments is an inappropriate development for the site and the area.

   The demolition of a home of its age and character for such development is unacceptable.

   This application along with other recent approved applications at the top of Derby St is having a negative impact on the Early Learning Center.

   Additional approval for inappropriate developments in Derby Street is placing extra strain on the already limited parking for residents in Derby St.

3. I strongly object to this application.

   Derby Street is at risk of losing its tradition and its identity to medium density housing and was never designed to accommodate the increased traffic and residents that we are already seeing.

   There are already two box like apartment buildings immediately next to the property subject to this application. The Precinct Character Statement for this area allows for apartments, but they should be spread out and not dominate such a large area of one side of the street. 3 apartment blocks in succession would appear to be against the intent of the Preferred Charater Statement which also says that historical significance and heritage is important to the area. The property has a Victorian period home circa 1890 and should be retained and celebrated, not knocked down for the pursuit of profit at the expense of the residents.

   The Character statement suggests that buildings should integrate in the area and not dominate it.

   We as residents already find it difficult to find parking in the street and cannot see how the street could cope with 16 new apartments that could result in 32 new neighbours along with their visitors.

   There is an early learning centre across the street where mothers with young children need to be able to drop their children off. They do not need the added stress of limited parking and increased traffic.

   Derby Street is a proud and private street with historical significance that must be cebrated and protected. Three apartment blocks in a row have no place in Derby Street, they belong on a Main Street where medium density is the norm.

4. As a resident of Derby Street I object to this proposed development which is out of character with the historic feel of the street, which is out of proportion to the skyline and street view and which, most importantly is far too large for the capacity of the street, particularly in terms of parking. It is already hard to find a parking space, but with 32 further residents and their associated cars this will be a significant difficulty. The street is currently frequently congested by cars turning into a similar, characterless development a few doors up. The lot was originally chosen as the right size for one family, not 16 times that density.

   This city, and this suburb is rightly proud of its historic buildings, but these can rapidly be lost irreplaceably by lax planning decisions leading to short term gains which will be regretted in future generations. The purpose of planning regulations is precisely to protect the character of neighbourhoods and ensure developments are appropriate in scale. We trust that this proposal will receive be thoroughly reviewed and a decision made in line with the concerns and opinions of the residents of this street and neighbourhood.

5. To Boroondara City Council,

   As a resident of Derby Street kew we are very concerned with the building proposal planned for 37 Derby street. We find it difficult to believe the Shire Council could consider a four storey development on this small site.
   The beauty of living in the area is it's leafy environment and historical homes which is being lost to developers with ugly, over crowded unit developments with no consideration for current home owners already living in the area.
   I addition traffic and parking in Derby Street is already causing problems for residents in the Street and if this development proceeds will further aggravate an already bad situation.
   When we read Boroondara Council brochures about keeping our suburbs beautiful and lifestyle friendly this is totally at odds to this planned development.
   We would expect the concerns of current residents to be taken into account before granting approval.

   Sue and Max van Helden

6. Dear Boroondara City Council

   I write to object to the proposed development on 37 Derby Street.

   The transformation of beautiful period homes to square boxes seems to go against goal of keeping Kew green, and to maintain its character.

   There are multiple families in the vicinity with young children who utilise Derby St as a means of getting to school and the Early Learning Centre. This increased traffic with the proposed development will make it more dangerous for our young children on a street that is already very busy.

   There will be even less parking than already available.

   Most concerning is a previous planning permit for a much larger scale development further up Derby street / High Street and a proposed supermarket both of which would make the street a complete gridlock and severely affect all the local residents.

   Please consider the residents.

   Thank you

7. To Boorondara City Council,

   I have noticed that the same developer has also just recently destroyed an Historical home in Toorak in George Street. It is such a shame that the Victorian house and early 19th Century homes in excellent condition will be bulldozed, In reviewing the plans this is a four storey building vs three storey and the basement even though will allow for cars has not taken in consideration of the need for car parking for the local neigbourhood centere. It does overshadow existing two other Victorian Homes and yet we already have several apartment buildings already in the area.

   Derby Street doesn't need another apartment block. Unless the aim is to change the existing landscape of the Street to Block style apartments with no outstanding features. It is pure greed on the part of developers to build as many dwellings as possible . The future developer of course has no intention of living in the area and I doubt that any of the complaints of current residents will have an impact. I have spent a great deal of effort to rennovate and to modernise my home in Derby St . I have also decided to preserve as much as possible the front of a Victorian Terrace vs to bulldoze. My understanding of the Housing strategy is to ensure that we have diversity of housing style. However, I have notice that everytime a sale occurs with substantial land then the outcome is pretty much the same to bulldoze and replace with a box style building.

   Please reconsider the Height of the dwellings. Perhaps the Developer will go ahead to build the storey dwellings in Toorak and leave Derby Street . It's such a shame to see historial homes in good condition go I would understand if the property was run down. So we look forward to a building in Monument and grey with no gardens /overshadowing existing neighbours backyards.

8. Attention: Boroondara City Council

   I write to object to the proposed development on 37 Derby Street, Kew.

   The proposal seems a gross over development and not in synergy with local period homes and keeping Kew green to maintain its character.

   I am a resident of nearby New Street and its already difficult to find on street parking. This increased traffic with the proposed development will make it more difficult for local residents to find parking. It will also become more dangerous for the pedestrians and increasing amount of younger children to use Derby Street safely.

   Please also consider the traffic and amenity impact of a previous planning permit for a much larger scale development further up Derby street / High Street.

9. To Boroondara City Council,

   I am a very concerned resident of Derby Street Kew as yet another inappropriate development has been proposed for our residential street.

   The proposal of PP15/00620 to construct a 16 dwelling four storey apartment building will result in not only the demolition of a Victoria period home and it surrounding trees, but will result in three successive apartment blocks in a residential 'Precinct 9' neighbourhood. The proposed development is not in keeping with the character of the street scape and will result in a large overdeveloped footprint, which is making Kew loose his historic relevance and its green space.

   The increasing development of concrete high rise buildings is extending the Melbourne CBD heat sink into the suburbs. Coupled with the reality of climate change this is impacting on the natural ecology of the area and directly impacting the amenability of the neighbourhood. Resulting in higher energy demands during peak times to cool residential homes.

   I ask the council to reject this proposed development, remember we live in a historic suburb that needs to preserve homes such as the one that would be demolished and lastly, for the council to consider the residents views.

   Thank you

   I have not made a donation to a Councillor oe Council employee.

10. As a resident of Derby Street and owner of over 25 years I am saddened by the planning decisions which have allowed Derby Street, once a street of historical houses to become the mish mash of inappropriately sized high density apartments and building designs totally out of character to the heritage background of Kew.

    I am shocked that once again the council looks to be bowing to developers with short-term money goals in mind. Them rather than the residents and ratepayers who purchased in the neighbourhood with the understanding that the preferred character statement of Precinct 9 Neighbourhood was to be applied to all development. This as a reminder:

    ‘development of diverse range of housing that integrates in scale and form of buildings in the precinct which respects the historical houses in the area and enhances the landscape setting of dwelling’

    ‘Ensuring new developments and additions respect the predominant scale and form of buildings in the street scape’

    ‘Ensuring design that integrates with the heritage style of the precinct’

    The major threat of this district ha been identified as to the character being : loss of historic buildings and buildings that dominate the street scape – both of which seems to be happening in Derby Street and the surrounding streets at high frequency

    We read these statements and had faith the council would look after its long-term ratepayers.

    I am not adverse to appropriate high-density development, which expands the socio-economic and other diversity of the neighbourhood but Derby St has had enough. We are a dense street with following issues as a result:

    • More than acceptable traffic flow
    • Aggressive speeding drivers that make crossing the street with my children to get to the park or walk my dogs a major hazard.
    • Drivers making illegal turns at the traffic management island at the bottom of the street. I have been almost hit on several occasions when walking. They are turning into resident driveways or suddenly turning at unexpected times. Blowing their horns at anything that slows them down and I will not add the timed turns at either end of the street that are totally ignored.
    • More than our share of moving trucks unloading furniture, blocking the street, and driveways as they move furniture in fast turnover leased apartments. On several occasions I have heard of residents being threatened by these drivers if they make complaints - even complaints about being unable to get cars out of driveways.
    • Garbage trucks in the street idling for extended times in the early hours as they empty not the two rubbish bins from the block but 16 to 20.
    • People attempting to find parks while they visit the Kew rec, visit friends on the street or park to go to lunch. They are doing u-turns, going slow, blowing horns. Added to this is the apparent lack of parking infringement officers.
    * Making it harder to control crime through neighbourhood watch programs when every second person we see in a visitor to the area or someone with a six month lease. The sense of knowing our neighbours and being a community is being lost in Derby St.

    My objection is based on all of the above and that Derby Street is at its brink. We have issues that are impacting our ability to enjoy our single-family dwellings as it is. We are ratepayers that live in the area not absent landlords. I respectfully ask council to stop this and further high density building in our street.

11. I have been a resident of Kew and the immediate area in question since 2006. I believe that demolishing this house that I am shocked and amazed does not have an historic overlay, which should be considered a heritage treasure is abominable. In addition, any impending works of this magnitude would completely disrupt the community for an extended period of time that is unacceptable.

    I, too, am the parent of a young child who attends Kew Primary School. Derby Street is a major walking thoroughfare for many children who attend Kew Primary School and reside in the immediate area. The works proposed would cause unacceptable safety hazards and would totally disrupt the quality of life we have and enjoyment of our residences for an extended period of time.

    I object to this proposal. The city of Boroondara Planning Scheme and Neighbourhood Character Precinct Statements classifies Derby Street as a 'Precinct 9' which would appear to give residents grounds to object the proposed demolition of an existing period home and the construction of the 4 story 16 apartment building based on some of the following points-

    The preferred character statement says '....ensuring design that intergrates with the heritage styles of the precinct' , 'loss of historical buildings and removal/loss of large trees.

    The Design Guidelines says they need to avoid 'large bulky buildings that dominate adjoining dwellings' and 'block-like apartment buildings which have a footprint that is both wide and deep'

    This is an unacceptable development that should not be allowed to take place in our community. Further, an immediate heritage overlay should be recommended to preserve this house which adds to the character and community of Kew in an irreplaceable way.

12. I wish to object to the proposed construction of the apartment development at 37 Derby Street, Kew. Not only would this apartment building require the removal of an historic and beautiful dwelling (that dates back to 1890 as I understand it) but would result in the addition of some 16 apartment, box-like dwellings in an already busy street.
    In addition, the City of Boroondara Planning Scheme and Neighbourhood Character Precinct Statement classifies Derby Street as being within Precinct 9. Buildings in Precinct 9 are required to respect the predominant scale and form of buildings in the streetscape, and ensure that the design integrates with the heritage styles of the precinct. This proposal does neither. Further, the Precinct 9 requirements outline that the loss of historic buildings, and the construction of "block like" buildings which have a footprint that is both wide and deep, should be avoided.
    Streets like Derby Street need protection. Historic and original dwellings should be treated with special care, not demolished so a developer can realise a large profit and leave. Multi storey developments need to be spread out not clustered together like this development would do. Parking and local traffic considerations should be carefully considered.
    I believe that this development is detrimental to the streetscape of Derby Street, is damaging to the area's liveability, and will cause unacceptable traffic problems.
    I urge the council to reject this proposal.
    Thank you.
    

13. On behalf of my family of 5, I wish to strongly object to the demolition of the beautiful house at 37 Derby Street, Kew.

    I also echo the comments of the previous objectors and especially that of Susan Wildermuth.

    The current owner has deceptively made the house appear in worse condition than it really is. It was sold just a couple of years ago in prime condition. The garden has been run down deliberately (it used to have a beautiful cottage garden!), it was painted a horrendous shade of blue for just a couple of weeks then returned to its original colour. Incredibly, the photo of the house on the planning application shows it in that awful shade and with the decorative post tops removed from the picket fence.

    Derby Street is already beyond its capacity for parking and the traffic is getting busier by the day. As a resident of the street I often have to sit and wait for someone to return to their car so that I can park and walk home. Having another development and the associated cars will make things even worse again. I see that the developer plans on using a lift and carousel inside the garage to accommodate the residents cars! Really? - who is going to muck around with that? Residents will take whatever parking on the street they can find instead of dealing with that ridiculous idea.

    The proposed demolition of this beautiful house is an absolute disgrace. At present, our house is in a row of 4 beautiful and character filled houses between Malmsbury Street and 37 Derby Street. These wonderful landmark houses used to dominate the streetscape in this area - now they are becoming a rarity and the council is showing no hint of attempting to save what Boroondara is rightly famous for - or was. Remember those wonderful flats which were built in the 1970's? They too were cited as being the answer and as a result many grand old homes were lost forever. Those flats don't look so great now, do they? And the result is always the same when a development is done for profit before all else. Come back to this space in 30-40 years and see what we have!

    We want our Council to protect our neighbourhood and to retain what is left of Kew's heritage. (Don't even start me on the unbelievable development at the top end of Derby Street which will change it irretrievably!) This development will only add to the worsening situation for residents of this area.

    Boroondara Council - can't you hear the voices of your rate payers! Please save the soul of historic Kew. We've had enough of this greed driven development!

14. I have lived in Derby Street for over 20 years and I wish to strongly object to the proposed construction of the apartment development at 37 Derby Street, Kew. Not only would this apartment building require the removal of an historic and beautiful dwelling (that dates back to 1890) but would result in the addition of some 16 apartment, in a dominating 4 floor level character less development in an already busy street.
    In addition, the City of Boroondara Planning Scheme and Neighbourhood Character Precinct Statement classifies Derby Street as being within Precinct 9. Buildings in Precinct 9 are required to respect the predominant scale and form of buildings in the streetscape, and ensure that the design integrates with the heritage styles of the precinct. This proposal does neither. Further, the Precinct 9 requirements outline that the loss of historic buildings, and the construction of "block like" buildings which have a footprint that is both wide and deep, should be avoided.
    Streets like Derby Street need protection. Historic and original dwellings should be treated with special care, not demolished so a developer can realise a large profit and leave. Multi storey developments need to be spread out not clustered together like this development would do. This over development will have a terrible effect on already limited parking and the increased traffic flow in cause more traffic congestion. Parking and local traffic considerations should be given the utmost considered.
    I believe that this development is detrimental to the streetscape of Derby Street, is damaging to the area's liveability, and will cause unacceptable traffic problems.
    I urge the council to reject this proposal.

15. We have lived in Derby Street since 1976 and accepted the developments of 12-15 flats in each block at numbers 23; 25; 39; 43; 48 between High Street and James Avenue as part of our neighbourhood. Then in 1988 when the recreation centre opened we appreciated that Kew Council protected the residents by ensuring the entry was on High Street. Likewise the development of the Kew Early Learning Centre in 2-12 Derby Street has maintained the heritage aspect and provided car parking.

    A change in approach commenced with the development of the Tassal Salmon Shop on the corner of High and Derby minus parking and the development of 48 apartments in 1 Derby Street within the last 5 years. Then the apartment development in Cobden Street (backing onto the 1 Derby building) last year removed all the parking for the shop top residents in High Street. Followed by the approved development of 90 apartments, a ground level supermarket and a 300 basement car park on High Street with entry for the delivery trucks in our street! Amazing! Back in 1985 when Safeway sought an extension of its operating hours to 12 midnight the Council protected the residents by narrowing the entry in Walpole Street to deter trucks.

    I respectfully ask the Boroondara Council to protect our street now; and echo all the concerns in the correspondence of Mark Rennie and Tom Gumley.

    The removal of 37 Derby Street for 16 apartments with a lift to their car park is simple unacceptable.

16. I write to object to the proposed development at 37 derby Street, Kew. as a resident of Derby street of over 25 years I have felt first hand the impact the street has had by the development of similar flats at the top of Derby street and the removal of Federation style homes in the area.

    The top end of Derby street has been overdeveloped which has led to a major impact on parking requirements and vastly increased traffic movement leading to a major safety issue for residents and pedestrians (particularly Kew Primary students).

    Development of the Kew recreation centre,large block of flats at the top of Derby Street, the popularity of the Tassal Shop and increased patronage at the Kew neighbour hood house, combined with Council's decision for this to be one of the main thoroughfares to the Eastern Freeway, has pushed Derby street to the point where no large scale project that increases vehicle movement can be justified.

    Derby Street is by and large a residential street and there can be no justification for a larges scale project being built in a street that by past poor decisions has been overdeveloped.

    I trust Councillors who are involved in making this crucial decision visit the site to see for themselves how inappropriate this development would be.

17. I strongly object to the proposed inappropriate construction of an apartment development at 37 Derby Street, Kew. The construction of this development would require the demolition of a beautiful period home dating back to 1890, which is part of our history and culture. This period house exemplifies what gives Boroondara and especially Kew, its character. This character is gradually disappearing in a sea of bland charmless apartment buildings built by developers whose only care is how much money they will make before moving on to the next bland development. Whilst the homeowners (ratepayers) and residents are left with the consequences.

    Importantly, the City of Boroondara Planning Scheme and Neighbourhood Character Precinct Statement classifies Derby Street as being within Precinct 9. Buildings in Precinct 9 are required to respect the predominant scale and form of buildings in the streetscape, and ensure that the design integrates with the heritage styles of the precinct. The proposed development at 37 Derby St does neither. Further, the Precinct 9 requirements outline that the loss of historic buildings, and the construction of "block like" buildings which have a footprint that is both wide and deep, should be avoided. The construction of a third "block like" apartment building immediately alongside two already existing apartment buildings will change the character of Derby street and increase its density forever.

    The traffic in Derby St and surrounds is already very busy and will become far worse than it currently is when 16 apartments with up to 32 residents' cars are included. I would be interested to know where the visitors to those apartments are to park their cars as parking in an around Derby St is already choked due to the shops, Neighbourhood House and overflow from the Recreation Centre.The proposed basement parking for this development will not adequately provide for those 32 cars let alone their visitors.

    I have not made a donation of gift to a Councillor or Council employee.

18. Dear Boroondara Councilors,

    As a concerned resident and homeowner in Derby Street of 15 years I strongly object to both the demolition of an attractive Victorian period home at 37 Derby Street, and the subsequent construction of a 16-dwellings/4-storey apartment block (PP15/00620).

    The demolition of this beautiful home would be a failure to “respect the historic houses” which are fundamental to the character of Boroondara’s Precinct 9. Derby Street in particular needs to maintain the character homes that remain as they juxtapose the existing 2 car parks, commercial buildings (e.g. KFC & Tassal), and existing apartment blocks.

    The construction of a large bulky apartment block is an inappropriate development for this site. The building would be significantly larger both in height and scale from what currently exists and would necessitate the removal of large trees. The number of dwelling proposed is excessive as the site is not that large. In order to squeeze so many apartments here individual apartments size, natural light and landscaping would be compromised in my opinion.

    The proposed basement car park cannot adequately provide for parking needs of all residents and their visitors. This will compound existing parking issues for current residents.

    Please consider if the approval of this proposal will be in the best interest of the residents of Derby Street and their welfare, rather than that of the developer who will be long-gone while this 16-dwellings/4-storey apartment block would remain.

19. Dear Boroondara Councilors,

    As a concerned resident and homeowner in Derby Street of 15 years I strongly object to both the demolition of an attractive Victorian period home at 37 Derby Street, and the subsequent construction of a 16-dwellings/4-storey apartment block (PP15/00620).

    The demolition of this beautiful home would be a failure to “respect the historic houses” which are fundamental to the character of Boroondara’s Precinct 9. Derby Street in particular needs to maintain the character homes that remain as they juxtapose the existing 2 car parks, commercial buildings (e.g. KFC & Tassal), and existing apartment blocks.

    The construction of a large bulky apartment block is an inappropriate development for this site. The building would be significantly larger both in height and scale from what currently exists and would necessitate the removal of large trees. The number of dwelling proposed is excessive as the site is not that large. In order to squeeze so many apartments here individual apartments size, natural light and landscaping would be compromised in my opinion.

    The proposed basement car park cannot adequately provide for parking needs of all residents and their visitors. This will compound existing parking issues for current residents.

    Please consider if the approval of this proposal will be in the best interest of the residents of Derby Street and their welfare, rather than that of the developer who will be long-gone while this 16-dwellings/4-storey apartment block would remain.

20. Dear Boroondara City Council,

    I write to object to the proposed development on 37 Derby Street.

    I have resided in Derby St since I was a small child. I now have my own two young children who walk passed 37 Derby St every day on their way to Kew Primary School. I was horrified to read the Application for a planning permit application for 16 “dwellings” hidden very cleverly between and behind the trees.
    We are one of many multiple families in the vicinity with young children who utilise Derby St as a means of getting to school and the Early Learning Centre. This increased traffic with the proposed development will make it more dangerous for our young children on a street that is already very busy. The two years it will take to build will mean we will have trucks driving in and out making it even more dangerous as well as making parking even more difficult as the builders park their cars while working on site.
    We already find it difficult to find parking in the street and cannot see how the street could cope with 16 new apartments which could mean at least 32 new owners plus their visitors. The developers’ plans on using a lift and carousel inside the garage to accommodate the resident’s cars seems very unpractical. No-one will have the patience for that. Residents will take whatever parking on the street they can find instead of dealing with such a time consuming way of parking. We have a major parking problem already with all the flats in the immediate vicinity.

    Please consider the residents.

    Thank you in advance for your consideration.

    M Klapakis
    Owner, Derby St, Kew

21. As residents in Derby St. we wish to object to the 16 unit multi-storey development proposed at 37 Derby St Kew. We ask council to respond to our objections as set out below:

    Non-Compliance
    This development is non-compliant with the basic requirements set out by the Council's Planning Scheme and Residential Design Policy. Both of these documents indicate that developments must respect the neighbourhood character by responding to the physical context of the street scape and amenity by avoiding unreasonable visual bulk.
    A 3 storey 16 unit edifice will increase visual bulk in Derby Street which currently has a disproportionate number of apartment blocks relative to residential homes. The visual bulk of the existing apartments is already imposing and the street's heritage look and appeal is rapidly being eroded. An additional block of units will further erode local amenity.
    Council Planning Schemes place controls on buildings and sites to ensure developers preserve the local amenity. In considering the application for further development at 37 Derby St. we request council take into account the impact on Derby St. and its environs that the additional bulk would create.

    Traffic Congestion
    Traffic volumes in Derby St have increased significantly in the last couple of years which reduces the amenity of the area, particularly for young families with children. Further, parking in the street is at a premium with High Street shoppers constantly cruising in search of parking spots making it difficult for our visitors to find an available park. Cars from the two blocks of apartments immediately north of No. 37 generate additional traffic and parking requirements into an already busy street. As most of the new proposed 16 units would have dual occupants and as developers are not obliged to provide parking for more than one tenant more car owners will be competing for already limited parking spaces in Derby St. while visitors to the new development will also require on-street parking. Finally, the planned multi-storey development in High Street near the recreation centre will exacerbate congestion if, as we are led to believe, Derby St. will be used by delivery trucks.

22. To whom it may concern,

    I'm voicing my objection to the proposed demolition of 37, Derby Street, Kew. I rushed over there today when I found the notice in my mail box, thinking, "No way. No one would even think of wrecking such a beautiful house. It must be a mistake."

    But it wasn't. I've loved this gorgeous property for years. I used to walk past it several times a week with my children and we'd often stop and admire it. I used to wonder how some of our ancestors were so near-sighted they destroyed so many beautiful buildings and was thankful to live in an age of enlightenment when we're aware of the need for preservation for future generations.

    It seems nothing changes. If this proposal goes ahead, no one in planning should ever again talk about 'preservation' or 'improving the street scape.'

    Regards,

    Jo

23. Dear Boroondara City Council

    I write to object to the development at 37 Derby st.

    Like many of the above concerned, I also live in Derby St, and have a young family to consider.
    The construction of 16 apartment, next door to two already over developed sites is outrageous, and the owners must be aware of this, that's why they tried to hide the sign and make the property look at its worst before applying. This was a well maintained beautiful property 12 months ago.
    The reason we live in Kew and pay such high rates is to maintain the character of this beautiful area, and Boroondara council I believe that's your job to help us do that.
    Please consider the families of Kew

24. As a Derby St resident I wish to object to the proposed construction of another apartment building at number 37. To demolish a house with so much history and character and replace it with 16 modern apartments would be a huge loss to us as residents. The proposed development is completely over the top and places too much burden on the neighbours with the extra traffic and parking problems that it will bring with it.
    We have pride in our street and we do not want to see the historic look stripped away. We believe another apartment block will upset the balance required to maintain the character that the old period homes like the existing home at no. 37 provide. We would dearly miss the trees and greenery that would be removed and strongly object to the unappealing sight of a big 4 storey building that could end up dominating the skyline in its place.

25. To whom it may concern,
    I am a resident of Derby Street and not only have a biased concern as a resident, it is a genuine one based on how much traffic a street like ours can take.
    It is one of the busiest streets in Kew as it is. So my question is why would we want to make it busier particularly with Kew Neighbourhood House only across the road.

    To turn a beautiful period home into an apartment block with an underground car park that will add so much more traffic and congestion and potential danger is a serious question the council should consider.
    There is enough going on at the top of the street.
    Leave it alone. Please.

26. To whom it may concern,

    As a resident of Derby Street I am writing to object the proposed demolition of the period home at 37 Derby Street, Kew. I admire this beautiful house every time I walk past and to demolish it would be a tragedy as we, as a community, would lose a piece of history that could never be replaced. The demolition and construction of 16 apartments would severely effect the period character that makes Kew special. It would be an absolute tragedy to lose this Victorian home from 1890.

    Furthermore, an additional inappropriately positioned apartment block would add to Derby Street and the High Street's congestion issues with a lack of off street parking.

27. To Boroondara City Council

    As a resident of Derby Street,I wish to state my strong objection to the proposed demolition of the gracious period house at 37 Derby Street and the building of 16 apartments. I have lived here for over 25 years and the over development, especially the top end of Derby Street has dismayed me. Derby Street has become one of the busiest streets in Kew and despite speed humps etc is a major "rat run" from High Street to the Eastern Freeway.
    The proposed construction of a third apartment building alongside the two existing apartment buildings coupled with the demolition of the beautiful period home and garden at No 37 will change the character and amenity of the street forever.
    The volume of traffic is already unacceptable and will become far worse as will the already existing parking problems.

    I have not made a donation to a Councillor or Council employee

28. I am a homeowner and resident of Derby Street Kew and consider the proposal for development of 37 Derby street Kew is an inappropriate development for our residential street.

    This proposal is not in line with The City of Boroondara Planning Scheme and Neighbourhood Character Precinct Statements:
    ‘Ensuring new developments and additions respect the predominant scale and form of buildings in the street scape’
    ‘Ensuring design that integrates with the heritage style of the precinct’

    I believe that this development harms Derby Street, and will cause increased traffic and parking problems.

    We live in a suburb that needs to preserve homes of such character and a Victorian period home circa 1890 should be retained.

    I urge the council to consider the residents views and reject this proposal.

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