No resolution for Drysdale development

THE development of 5-17 Oakden Road is set to go to a full VCAT hearing following further disagreements.

Earlier this year concerns were raised by residents over a proposal to subdivide a 1.96ha property into a total of 34 allotments, which was later objected by the city in February.

Prior to being knocked back, the Oakden Road development received up to 50 objections based on block size, traffic concerns and the removal of vegetation.

A compulsory VCAT pre-committal conference was held on April 28 with representatives from developers Culture Homes, the City of Greater Geelong, Oakden Road residents and the Drysdale Clifton Springs and Curlewis Association.

Local woman Catherine Coghlan, who has been a leading voice against the development of Oakden Road, said the conference did not achieve an outcome.

“Culture Homes were not prepared to make changes satisfactory to the residents,” she said.

“As a result of this the Geelong council, Drysdale Clifton Springs Curlewis Association and residents are now prepared to take this developer to a full VCAT hearing in June.

“We are doing this in an all-out attempt to have this ‘over development’ modified or stopped.”

The alleged overdevelopment comes as the city approved Amendment C363 which could see 28 rural living properties rezoned to 550 dwellings along Central Road.

Amendment C363 received 64 objections from residents and now stands before the Planning Minister Richard Wynne for a final ruling.

The date of the VCAT hearing for the Oakden Road development has been set for June 23 to 26.

“We have the full support of the DCSCA in our fight,” Ms Coghlan said.

“We ask all concerned residents to become involved in the VCAT Hearing.”