Zoe Moffatt
Neighbourhood and township character have been cited as the main reasons for Macedon Ranges council’s refusal to grant a permit at 35 Cherry Lane, Gisborne.
The application seeks to remove two native trees and subdivide the land into 1851, 1171 and 1027 metres squared lot sizes at 35 Cherry Lane, Gisborne.
At a meeting on December 5, councillors voted to issue a notice of decision to refuse to grant the permit, which went against officer recommendation to issue a notice of decision to grant the permit.
Councillor Rob Guthrie moved the alternate motion and said the application does not support sustainable growth or maintain the distinctive and semi-rural character of Gisborne.
“My alternative motion… is mainly based on neighbourhood character grounds,” he said.
“[The application] will create lots that detract from the existing and preferred character of the area and sense of place.”
Cr Guthrie said an appropriate outcome would be a two lot subdivision, as it would be in keeping with the emerging pattern of development and neighbourhood character in that area.
“It would allow for a single story building with generous setbacks and landscaping,” he said.
Councillor Dominic Bonanno agreed and said “just because someone can do something, doesn’t mean they should.”
It comes after at a planning meeting on November 9, submitters raised concerns about the lot sizes, impact on neighbourhood character, increased noise and traffic and lack of consideration for strategic context.
Councillor Christine Walker disagreed and said an area’s character encompasses far more than the size of a block.
“This discussion about this area seems to be limited only to that,” she said.
“The character of Cherry Lane includes gardens and wide street frontage, no curb and channelling and views of Gisborne. These can all be maintained with the proposed subdivision.
“There’s really not strong evidence provided as to why this subdivision does not provide sustainable growth and development.
“The character of the streetscape will not be altered, it will still look like a big house on a big block with a large garden area.”
