Council joins neighbours against “Phar Lap tree” subdivision

THE City of Greater Geelong has strengthened its stance against the controversial “Phar Lap tree” subdivision as tribunal hearings got under way this week.

The city has submitted that a permit should not be granted, claiming that the plan would fail “to provide an acceptable neighbourhood character outcome”.

A Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearing began this week to decide on the proposal for 7-8 Oakwood Ridge, St Albans Park.

Former city director Guy Wilson-Browne owns the property and is aiming to subdivide it into two lots.

Objectors say that the plan would undermine a protective covenant applied to properties during the 1990s to preserve low-density living and adversely impact neighbourhood character of the site.

Residents have also raised concerns about a historically significant tree at the site that is believed to be a burial site for champion racehorses with links to thoroughbred legend Phar Lap.

While the subdivision plan had proposed keeping the tree intact, objectors fear excavation works nearby could damage horse remains that are likely underground.

Town planner Tania Panozzo represented the city during hearings and argued that the state tribunal should refuse the permit application.

Ms Panozzo said while the site’s “strategic setting may suggest subdivision can occur, those settings must be balanced against context”.

She said the planned subdivision would “change in a negative way the established and valued open character of the court”.

“Council considers planning is at odds with orderly planning.

“It is one that should not be supported.”

The city voted in October last year to refuse a planning permit due to the neighbourhood character concerns.

But councillors indicated that concerns about probity and perceived lack of transparency were the primary reason for their decisions.

Council officers had recommended granting a permit ahead of last year’s planning meeting.

The recommendation came despite Heritage Victoria recognising the Phar Lap tree’s historical significance earlier that year following a community campaign.

Town planners on behalf of the proponent and neighbours were due to give evidence when this newspaper went to print this week.

VCAT senior member Rachel Naylor will consider their evidence before making a decision on whether to grant a permit.