Anger over approval of subdivision

Updated November 5 2012 - 1:44pm, first published July 4 2006 - 1:25pm

BROWN Hill residents are up in arms after Ballarat City Council approved a 40-lot subdivision which the residents claim will destroy the neighbourhood character of the area.
The subdivision, proposed by applicant Dickson Hearn Pty Ltd, will be built on a 4ha block bordering Gracefield Rd, Gracefield Dv and Cypress Dv.
It attracted 23 objections on traffic safety, loss of roadside vegetation, high-density housing in a rural location and drainage grounds.
An amendment to refuse the applicant a planning permit was defeated at the last council meeting before councillors gave the green light to the project subject to 19 conditions.
The original application was for a 48-lot subdivision, which councillors reduced to 40 with a minimum lot size of 800 square metres.
Gracefield Rd resident Jeff Keath said the residents would now appeal to VCAT after claiming objectors were given their say but councillors did not listen to them.
Mr Keath said the council was allowing infill development on Ballarat's fringe at the expense of neighbourhood character and without providing the necessary infrastructure such as transport, open space, proper drainage, footpaths, cycle paths and safeguarding pedestrian safety.
"We have lost the battle at council level, but plan to seek some justice at VCAT," Mr Keath said.
Another resident, Leanne Brown, said she had concerns about flooding from increased run-off from the sub-division.
She said the block was a natural floodway and was worried that her home was at risk after being extensively flooded in November 2004.
Another objector, Bonnie Black, said it was time for the council to comprise a development plan for Brown Hill, instead of allowing piecemeal development.
"Brown Hill has long been the jewel in Ballarat's crown, and it appears the developers have finally discovered us," Ms Black said.
Nerrina Ward councillor Ian Jolly, who proposed the refusal amendment, said he had shared the residents' concerns.
"My main concern is drainage, because it is a fairly significant natural run-off area and I don't think a 40-lot subdivision matches the amenity of that area," Cr Jolly said.

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