481 Albion Street, Brunswick West VIC 3055

Just a general comment about the many applications for multi unit developments in Brunswick, including this one. It seems that a reduction in car parking is part of most if not all these applications. This indicates to me that the density proposed is too great i.e. there should be a reduction in the number of units planned so that other requirements such as parking, open space, set-backs etc. can be met. To squeeze extra units into the available space is counter productive and I think Council should uphold it's parking requirements which reflect sensible planning for retaining the comfort and functioning of our suburb for all of us. In this area of West Brunswick we are not well served by public transport and new residents will bring multiple cars with them. I fear previous waivers have created a precedent for developers.

Again with the reduction in car parking! Enough is enough -- the reality is that just about everyone seems to own a car around here, and parking in side streets off Albion is getting ridiculous.

Albion Street is at the point of not coping with traffic. Reality is that even if the occupants use the limited bus service, or the tram, they will own a car, possibly two. They'll also expect visitors, many of whom will drive. Continuing to ignore this growing problem will lead to serious problems for residents in the area. There is a school crossing just a few metres from this site, and a popular restaurant across the street. Any fool can see that problems are rapidly accumulating. What may seem a reasonable relaxation of rules on an individual application, quickly becomes untenable when repeated over many. Provision must be made on the site for car parking, as well as some visitor parking and traffic management. If the site doesn't have room for these things AND seven dwellings, then the number of dwellings should be reduced until there is room. It's not that hard to work out. This is an example of unsustainable development.

Samantha Ratnam does not respond to these comments so I am not going to write to her again. I support all objections particularly the parking issue. Why in the world do we have laws about parking limitations if they can be waived every time there is a request to waive them? It does not make sense. The well being of residents is sacrificed at the expense of high density living and I don't know what else. This is happening all over Moreland.

The over development along Albion Street is reaching crisis point. Moreland Council must not consider a development in isolation. It must be considered along with the massive developments already built. For example, the gross over development of the Albion Street and Duggan Street site means the area will already fail to cope. This current plan adds to the crisis. The proposal for 481 Albion is an over development for the site, creates problems for abutting properties and damages the local amenity. Until a detailed infrastructure plan and implementation plan is created and funded, then no more development should be allowed in this area.

Recently drove down Albion Street West Brunswick and noticed that 481 Albion street West Brunswick had been demolished. Shame on you Moreland Council for allowing the destruction of this beautiful Californian Style home of nearly 100 years. This home was a landmark of the area, and was built of solid build construction soon after the end of World War 1. To allow the destruction of this truly magnificent home to be replaced by a concrete jungle with limited car access through a narrow lane, is both shortsighted and destructive to this area. Demolishing beautiful period homes, will only detract and inhibit this lovely area. The destruction of this beautiful old home was a very poor, ill conceived
and stupid decision.

Being involved in a number of objections to permit applications over the past couple of years over parking waivers and gross over development of Brunswick West and all of Moreland actually, I would suggest sending individual written objections to council. Comments on this forum are not included as objections or even noted by Councillors or the planning officer allocated to the permit application. Unfortunately due to the State Govt introducing new zonings and opening a can of worms for Developers, our suburbs have changed forever. Please do yourself and Moreland a favour and write directly to council. The permit application number should be listed on website for reference. Also attend the forum that is being held by Samantha Ratnam to voice your concerns. We are trying hard to get zoning reversed and halt some of these crazy developments. Grohns Place is next for major change with car park reductions. Please get involved, make your voice heard. Your support is needed and will be appreciated.