Elsie Lange
Residents cited traffic congestion, environmental impacts and lack of services and infrastructure among concerns they hold about a controversial proposed development comprising more than 700 lots in Gisborne.
At a town planning meeting on Wednesday, September 14, Macedon Ranges council heard from submitters regarding Development Plan Application DP/2021/1 at 89 Ross Watt Road.
An application for the development was lodged with council in November last year, but because council did not make a decision on the application, an appeal by the applicant has now been lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
According to a council report, the plan proposes a residential estate made up of about 769 lots, with an average lot size of 573 metres squared, as well as a local convenience centre, childcare centre and various open spaces.
“A number of ‘superlots’ and a ‘potential residential retirement living community (6.71 Ha)’ are also proposed. It is unclear the density proposed for these two components,” the report said.
Council said based on a preliminary assessment by its strategic planning team, more information was required to support the proposal, which was requested on December 24 last year and again in February this year.
“Further information requested by council and various referral authorities was received in June 2022, however the applicant had already lodged a review at VCAT,” council said.
Council received 28 objections to the application.
Nearby resident Samantha Izzard was one of multiple submitters who spoke at the meeting and said her concerns surrounded the traffic impacts and proposed block sizes.
“Considering the neighbouring block sizes range from 2000 square metres to 4000 square metres, the current application is concerning, with the number of blocks proposed that are below 800 square metres,” she said.
“Does this fit with the semi-rural feel of Gisborne.”
She was concerned the proposal’s traffic impact statement didn’t address the viability of existing roads to handle an increase in traffic, or pressure on surrounding intersections.
Other objectors cited concern about the development’s impact on local waterways, including Jacksons Creek, Racecourse Marshland Reserve and water quality at the Rosslyn Reservoir, neighbourhood character, and stormwater drainage.
As part of the VCAT process, a “compulsory conference” is scheduled for November this year, with an eight day hearing scheduled for March next year.
