Macedon Ranges council will oppose a planning application for the development of four tiny homes on land on Shannons Lane in Kerrie when the matter is heard at VCAT.
As reported by Star Weekly, the plan entails developing four single-dwelling tiny homes – a type of self-contained and minimalist accommodation – at one of the five lots which make up 131 Shannons Lane, Kerrie.
The buildings would then be provided as group accommodation through short-stay accommodation company Shacky.
Community objectors to the planning application spoke at the council’s planning delegated committee meeting on March 12, expressing concerns including heightened bushfire risk, increased traffic on the narrow and unsealed Shannons Lane, impacts to local wildlife – especially wombats – and changes to the character of this section of Kerrie.
A report was tabled at the council’s April 9 planning delegated committee meeting stating that the council will advise VCAT that it opposes the plan.
In the report, the council said that reasons for opposing the plan include the site failing to appropriately respond to the conservation values and environmental sensitivity of the site and locality, the plan being contrary to the purpose of the Rural Conservation Zone with the proposal of five dwellings in total on the property, and concerns around entry and exit of the site in the event of bushfire evacuation.
The planning application was initially received by the council on October 25, 2023.
