TGM Group has applied to build a 14 lot subdivision at the same Rodier Street site where a 20-lot unit development was knocked back in 2012.

But the City of Ballarat’s planning staff have again recommended its refusal on grounds of flood risk, heritage and neighbourhood character. 

Neighbouring resident Ron Marshall said if the council followed the advice of its staff, it would represent only a small victory for what was occurring in the east of Ballarat.

Mr Marshall said while it would affect his own amenity, he was more concerned with the bigger picture of development being “ramrodded though city hall” without consideration of the community.

“They’re hell-bent on doing it,” he said. “It doesn’t fit in with what’s here. They’re making money at the expense of citizens of Ballarat.”

The land itself zoned for residential purposes and located within an established residential area.

It has access to a full range of services and infrastructure.

But the council knocked back the previous 20-unit proposal in 2012 over concerns about heritage and neighbourhood character, the impact on adjoining public open space, amenity and flood risk. 

Plans for a 19-dwelling development were later rejected by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

A report by the council’s planning staff, which will be considered by councillors tomorrow, said the new proposal would still be subject to “unacceptable flood risk” and failed to “respect the heritage and neighbourhood character of the area”.

The council received 20 objections, including one from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) on the grounds of flood risk.

The CCMA also objected to the previous planning application, as much of the site was considered to be subject to flooding during a one in 100-year flood event. 

The land is also located within an area of cultural heritage significance.

rachel.afflick@fairfaxmedia.com.au