Macedon Ranges council heard community objections towards a planning application for the development of four tiny homes on land on Shannons Lane in Kerrie.
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.
These buildings would then be provided as group accommodation through short-stay accommodation company Shacky.
On-site car parking would be provided about 250 metres from for the homes and would require a new crossover from Shannons Lane.
Seven community objectors, six of whom spoke at the council’s planning delegated committee meeting on March 12, raised 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.
Shannons Lane resident Helen Franklin said Shannons Lane is impassable for most of the year in most vehicles.
Ms Franklin said she has witnessed many vehicles becoming stuck on the dirt road, and due to there being no mobile service, many knock at her door seeking assistance.
“I’m not really up for that happening more frequently than it already does as a result of … tiny houses on an adjacent property,” Ms Franklin said.
She also expressed concerns around fire risk and bushfire preparedness, explaining that Shannons Lane residents often meet to discuss a unified bushfire and emergency exit plan.
“Adding people who just don’t know what they’re doing and have never practised it, don’t know what to expect when the unexpected happens, is a real concern to me and could substantially increase my risk up here,” she said.
Another resident Christine Bessell said that during winter, Shannons Lane becomes “seriously rutted” due to water rushing down the unsealed road, and in a previous winter, it was treacherous to ascend even in a four-wheel drive.
“The road would need much more regular maintenance than occurs at the moment – and I guess the council has got to balance where it spends its road maintenance money,” Ms Bessel said.
Based on all information of the plan and the submissions received, recommendations will be prepared for consideration at the council’s next planning delegated committee meeting on Wednesday, April 9.
