Townhouse, apartment plan for Wandana Heights

A PLAN to convert a Wandana Heights block into 60 properties is before the City of Greater Geelong.

The proponents have proposed to build 36 double-storey townhouses and 24 units at a 1.7-hectare greenfield block at 6 Greenway Court.

The plan includes 33 three-bedroom townhouses, three four-bedroom townhouses and 24 two-bedroom units in a development that proponents say would provide a diverse range of housing options.

It would also remove all existing trees except one, but would protect nearby vegetation with setbacks and create room for 140 native canopy trees once finished.

“The vision for the development is to provide a diversity of dwelling typologies, which will suit the differing needs of the community,” planning documents stated.

“These dwellings are designed to be adaptable and accessible, depending on the specific needs of the future purchaser.

“The ground level provides a well-landscaped setting with direct pedestrian access into each dwelling via common, central driveways with individual and shared pedestrian pathways.”

The proponents also said the plan would respond to a push by the City of Greater Geelong for greater housing diversity as the city continues encouraging and investigating infill development within existing town boundaries to accommodate population growth.

“[City] policies encourage more efficient use of land in established residential areas to provide housing more suited to the changing housing needs of the community.

“This means higher density, more affordable housing that is energy efficient, well-located with respect to services, and designed to respect the character of the neighbourhood in which it is to be located.

“This proposal provides a clear opportunity to directly address policy and broader municipality demands for the provision of new housing which adds diversity and housing choice, by providing a well-located residential development, within a General Residential Zone close to Waurn Ponds and existing community services.”

The Wandana Heights plan is across the road from the Cumulus Highton development to be built at the Highton Basin site, which would include 30 housing lots and a further two apartment developments.