Macedon Ranges council will oppose a contentious 700-lot development at Gisborne in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Town planners Collie Pty Ltd applied to VCAT after the council failed to rule in time on the proposal for a major development at 89 Ross Watt Road.
The developers are proposing a residential estate made up of about 769 lots, with an average lot size of 573 metres squared.
The council had already been asked to knock back the plan by some residents concerned about potential traffic congestion, environmental impacts, a lack of services and infrastructure.
At a planning meeting last week the council voted to oppose the development at VCAT, arguing the proposal was not in line with the character of the area and lacked sufficient traffic infrastructure, among other planning concerns.
A council report also said the “proposed layout would have a detrimental impact on the Jacksons Creek escarpment” and raised concerns about the “extent of native vegetation removal”.
The proposal would include a local convenience centre, various open spaces, and a childcare centre.
The large parcel of land subject to the proposal is currently being used to graze cattle.
A case conference at VCAT is listed for next month before a full hearing in March.
