The 960 square metre block of land at the corner of Eddy and Boak avenues is the proposed site for 10 dwellings – comprised of two and three bedroom apartments – and a basement car park for 17 vehicles.

The Monsien Holdings Pty Ltd development was vetoed by councillors at a meeting on January 31, despite council’s planning officers recommending the proposal be approved. 

The development received more than 100 objections from the public when it was put up for advertising by council in May last year. Concerns raised by residents included traffic management, the design not fitting the streetscape, and the proposal setting a precedent of high-density housing in the area. 

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal confirmed the matter would now be considered at a one day hearing on October 5. 

Mount Helen Residents Group representative Kevin Zibell said residents were feeling a mix of “apprehension and hope” in the lead up to the hearing. 

“It’s completely out of character with the neighbourhood, that really is coming down to the bulk of the building, the scale of the development and the density proposed,” he said.

“We’re not against medium density, but we certainly object to high-density [living] at that particular site.

“The plans have changed in a very minimal way, I’d describe any changes as cosmetic.”

Dale Young from Beveridge Williams, who represents the developer, said at the January 31 meeting the developer had not considered reducing the number of townhouses proposed for the site as the economics for the block of land “wouldn't stack up”.

Mr Zibell said next week’s decision would ultimately decide the direction of the area’s development culture in the future. 

“We see this as being a really significant decision for Mount Helen, it’s a way of defining the preferred neighbourhood character.”

Beveridge Williams and Monsien Holdings Pty Ltd were both contacted by The Courier, but did not respond by deadline.