Council joins residents in opposing Drysdale development

COUNCIL has joined Drysdale residents in expressing its disapproval for an Oakden development that would transform the semi-rural area into a 34-lot estate.

The planning committee for City of Greater Geelong has recommended the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal refuse a permit for the development following a meeting with the community last week.

Developers proposed a multi-lot subdivision with an average land size of 443 square metres which received a strong opposition from surrounding residents.

The committee included Mayor Stephanie Asher, Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan and councillors Kylie Grzybek, Jim Mason, Belinda Moloney and Bruce Harwood.

The plan put forward would involve the removal of all native vegetation in the area which raised privacy concerns for nearby neighbours.

Residents further expressed their disapproval about the size of the lots which were not in keeping with the semi-rural ambience, as well as traffic concerns along the narrow road.

The proposal attracted more than 50 objections and 35 signatures on a petition submitted to council opposing the development.

Planning Committee chair, Kylie Grzybek, said the volume of concerns raised outweighed the key requirements that were met by developers.

“The committee has considered the application carefully and listened to the views of the local community,” Cr Grzybek said.

“It was the committee’s view that this type of subdivision does not meet the expectation of Drysdale residents and would not fit with our aim of protecting the character of our Bellarine towns.

“The number of small lot sizes and the loss of vegetation were of particular concern.”

Cathy Coghlan, who led community discussions opposing the development, said the Oakden Road residents were extremely happy with the city’s decision.

“The three Bellarine Ward councillors, namely Stephanie Asher, Jim Mason and Trent Sullivan, were instrumental in consulting and listening to the residents at the meeting held last Thursday,” she said.

Ms Coghlan said community members were able to express their concerns during the meeting which were later reciprocated by the council.

“We wish to thank the City of Greater Geelong councillors, particularly our Bellarine Ward councillors, for supporting us and addressing all our concerns,” she said. “Thanks goes to all the local residents involved in the actions taken, and also to Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Curlewis Association (DCSCA) for their assistance.”

The next step will engage both the City of Greater Geelong and surrounding residents of the proposed development, but ultimately the final decision will be handed down by VCAT.

VCAT will hold a conference on April 28 ahead of a case hearing being held across June 23 and 24.