By Mikayla van Loon
Support for the subdivision of an Old Hereford Road property has been garnered from stakeholder bodies after being exhibited late last year.
The property at 27-33 Old Hereford Road Mount Evelyn is a 5,160 square metre block of land with an existing dwelling currently sitting within a low-density residential zone, meaning subdivided blocks would both need to be 4000 square metres.
In June last year Yarra Ranges Council, on behalf of the applicant Lang Baulch, sought an individual amendment to the planning scheme from the State government to change the specific controls overlay to allow subdivision.
With a planning application for a second dwelling to be built on the property already approved, the amendment was exhibited between 13 October to 13 November receiving seven submissions.
Five submissions came from external organisations, while two were from individuals, one in support of the amendment and one in objection, which was later withdrawn.
Submissions from Yarra Valley Water, the Environment Protection Authority, AusNet, Melbourne Water and CFA did not object to the permit conditions.
“This has a very long history, it’s certainly a huge commitment by the owners of this particular site and it’s gone through a very lengthy process thus far,” Councillor Tim Heenan said.
“I’m very happy during the exhibition period last year that seven submissions were received and of course only one of those was opposing but was subsequently withdrawn.
“So this has been smooth sailing thus far and needs to continue on.”
Seconding the motion, Cr Sophie Todorov said it needed to be acknowledged that this property sat within an activity centre and should allow for this type of development.
“Apart from an extra dwelling, it’s not really changing the landscape of the parcels of land per se,” she said.
The recommendation to adopt the amendment was unanimously passed by the councillors and the decision will now be forwarded to the planning minister for approval of the planning scheme amendment.
