Zoe Moffatt
Macedon Ranges council has rejected a planning application for an 18 lot development in Wedge Street, Kyneton, citing neighbourhood character among the concerns.
The decision was made at a council meeting on December 6, and follows residents speaking out against the proposed development in July.
The application for 88A and 90 Wedge Street proposed 18 lots with an average size of 693 metres squared and a reserve adjacent to Post Office Creek.
Council officers recommended the application be approved with traffic and open space modifications.
Councillor Jennifer Anderson said just because someone can do something, doesn’t mean they should. She moved the motion to reject the application on the grounds of neighbourhood character, local flooding constraints and impacts, that it creates a disjointed road network, does not provide appropriate open space or respond appropriately to the Wedge Street bridge constraints.
“I think it’s very important that we respond to each site appropriately, and determine whether we think we’re getting the best outcome,” she said.
“A lot of what’s in the planning scheme and our overlays and a neighbourhood character [are] quite broad and not so specific. So they are open to interpretation.
“We’ve had submissions of people that live in the area that told us it does not respond to neighbourhood character.”
Cr Anderson said community feedback also addressed proposed lot sizes, and how the development would impact neighbourhood character.
“This area here is actually… the only neighbourhood residential zone north of Post Office Creek that is not in the over 2000 square metre area.
“Although there’s nothing specific about the lot sizes here in this area, I feel you need to look at the surrounding lot sizes to determine the character.”
Speaking to the motion, Cr Geoff Neil said negotiations are needed for the application if council was looking to put a positive light on it and turn it to the community’s advantage.
“There’s no doubt this will now go to VCAT and I find that most unfortunate,” he said.
“I don’t wish to support the application before us but I can see the rationale as to why the motion has been put.”
