By Jessica Micallef
A plan for a development involving 711 residential lots in Gisborne has been rejected by Macedon Ranges council.
During last Wednesday’s council meeting, all councillors voted in favour of refusing the plan put forward by developer ID_Land for 39 Willowbank Road.
The developer has already lodged an appeal with the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) because the council did not make a decision within the required timeframe.
The plan proposes 711 residential lots, a primary school, public open space and two waterway and drainage reserves.
The application received 166 objections.
They included appropriateness of lot sizes, increase in traffic, impact on local infrastructure and how the proposal met the character of the town.
The council’s decision will inform its approach to next month’s VCAT hearing.
Gisborne resident Ben Peck praised the council’s decision, saying it was “what the community wanted”.
“I thought it was a great result,” he said. “It would’ve affected Gisborne massively.
“You’re talking about 711 lots and averaging three people per house, so … nearly 3000 people, which is nearly a 20 per cent increase on Gisborne’s population at the moment.
“And as far as schools and roads and emergency services, and even shopping and parking, nothing is in place to support that amount of growth.
“It’s definitely not what the community wants, I think, because of those objections and because of the number of people that were there.
“It’s going to be a big fight for the council. I just hope they do what they say they’re going to do and actually represent us.”
ID_Land joint managing director Matthew Belford said it was working closely with the council to “ensure the master plan is in keeping with the local surrounds”.
“ID_Land understands the importance of maintaining the local character … while investing into infrastructure, amenity and services,” he said.
“ID_Land is working closely with council throughout the application process and we are confident this will continue throughout the ongoing discussions and subsequent VCAT hearing.”
VCAT is expected to make a decision on the development proposal on Wednesday, August 28.
