There are a number of blocks in the Manningham side of Warrandyte that are over 2000 sqm. While some of the owners are happy to have a larger block, others are keen to subdivide to an allowed 1000 sqm. It is understood that there are about 8 such blocks in the Warrandyte township, so perhaps not such a big problem. However, with the increasing housing pressure in Melbourne, our lovely bushland community may have some battles ahead.
If you drive down Research Road you’ll notice a big new gap in the ridgeline landscape ahead (Lewis Road). With the combination of smaller block size, bigger houses, the Bushfire Management Overlay and defendable space, some blocks will have very little native vegetation left when the dwelling is complete, and the Warrandyte landscape will change significantly.
Of concern is the effect on the ridge line. No matter which way you look in Warrandyte you will see treed ridge lines. This is what gives Warrandyte its busy landscape character. Councils should not allow ridge line development, as while such houses give the resident a 360 view it destroys everyone else’s outlook.
Warrandyte is a special riverine environment, as described by Charlotte Sterrett, the Riverkeeper. (View Presentation). We need to do everything possible to retain it for reasons of biodiversity and for the people of Melbourne to enjoy.
Manningham
7 Second Street Warrandyte
A number of local residents (35) lodged objections with Council to a proposed battle-axe subdivision at 7 Second Street. At its 31st October meeting Councillors resolved to issue a permit for the subdivision, with a number of conditions.
Prior to this permit application, Planning Permit PLN20/0210 was issued on 15 March 2021. The permit allowed for a two-lot re-subdivision (boundary realignment) between the subject site and the adjoining property at 5 Second Street Warrandyte. The permit effectively allowed the central shared boundary to be realigned to increase the lot size of 7 Second Street to 2002 sqm and decrease the lot size of 5 Second Street to 1402sqm. The owner was then able to apply to subdivide the land at 7 Second Street.
As the subdivision of the land is preceding the development of a dwelling, which is necessary for compliance with the Design and Development Overlay 3 (DDO3) the new dwelling and associated works become “as of right”, so the adjacent neighbours will not necessarily have the opportunity to consider the plans before any permit is granted for the dwelling.
“Were a planning permit needed, the assessment would be limited to the considerations of the overlays only, namely the DDO3. Matters relevant to external amenity such as overlooking and overshadowing are governed by Clause 54 (Rescode) of Scheme. The evaluation of these matters would need to be assessed by the appointed Building Surveyor for any future dwelling, to ensure compliance with the relevant standards of Clause 54.” from Council Minutes. See full decision at https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/Council%20Minutes%2031%20October%202023.pdf
Everard Drive Warrandyte
A application was lodged for a permit to subdivide an existing 2092 square metre residential lot into two lots. The existing dwelling was to be retained on the northern, ‘front’ lot, with an area of 1092 square metres. A new dwelling was to be developed on the new ‘rear’ of 1000 square metres
Manningham City Council refused to grant a planning permit for the proposed subdivision and works, primarily on the basis that the proposal did not provide an acceptable response to the neighbourhood character as well as the landscape and environmental qualities of the area.
The applicant appealed the decision at VCAT. The Tribunal set aside the decision of the Council and directed that a planning permit be granted with a number of conditions. For full details see http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2023/1223.html
Nillumbik
5 Colan Road North Warrandyte
A number of residents objected to a planned dwelling at 5 Colan Road North Warrandyte. The land is very steep and is a link between the Chase and Professor’s Hill. It has environmental and landscape overlays. Nillumbik council refused to grant a permit. The developer took the matter to VCAT which set aside Nillumbik’s decision, and remitted the application back to Nillumbik to for reconsideration (23 October 2023).
Fire Danger Period Restrictions
The CFA has announced that fire restrictions apply in Nillumbik from 4 December 2023 ending
1 May 2024. Those for Manningham have yet to be announced.
Road Closures on extreme and catastrophic fire danger days
With the upcoming fire season it is pleasing to note that Manningham Council will be closing all access roads to Pound Bend Reserve ( Warrandyte State Park ) on extreme and catastrophic days. Resident access will be maintained. For full details visit: manningham.vic.gov.au/warrandyte-state-park-fire-danger-road-closures
WCA Committee and Officeholders 2023-2024
At the recent AGM the following members were elected as office holders and Committee members:
President Terry Tovey
Vice President Dick Davies
Secretary Jan Davies
Treasurer Ian Moore
Committee Doug Seymour, Warwick Leeson, Peter Hanson, Kim Cope
Featured image by: Bob Tan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
