THE City of Greater Geelong has strengthened its stance against the controversial “Phar Lap tree” subdivision as tribunal hearings got under way this week.<\/p>\n
The city has submitted that a permit should not be granted, claiming that the plan would fail “to provide an acceptable neighbourhood character outcome”.<\/p>\n
A Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearing began this week to decide on the proposal for 7-8 Oakwood Ridge, St Albans Park.<\/p>\n
Former city director Guy Wilson-Browne owns the property and is aiming to subdivide it into two lots.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
While the subdivision plan had proposed keeping the tree intact, objectors fear excavation works nearby could damage horse remains that are likely underground.<\/p>\n
Town planner Tania Panozzo represented the city during hearings and argued that the state tribunal should refuse the permit application.<\/p>\n
Ms Panozzo said while the site’s “strategic setting may suggest subdivision can occur, those settings must be balanced against context”.<\/p>\n
She said the planned subdivision would “change in a negative way the established and valued open character of the court”.<\/p>\n
“Council considers planning is at odds with orderly planning.<\/p>\n
“It is one that should not be supported.”<\/p>\n
The city voted in October last year to refuse a planning permit due to the neighbourhood character concerns.<\/p>\n
But councillors indicated that concerns about probity and perceived lack of transparency were the primary reason for their decisions.<\/p>\n
Council officers had recommended granting a permit ahead of last year’s planning meeting.<\/p>\n
The recommendation came despite Heritage Victoria recognising the Phar Lap tree’s historical significance earlier that year following a community campaign.<\/p>\n
Town planners on behalf of the proponent and neighbours were due to give evidence when this newspaper went to print this week.<\/p>\n
VCAT senior member Rachel Naylor will consider their evidence before making a decision on whether to grant a permit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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) […]<\/p>\n