A hotly debated 10-unit development for Riddells Creek got a green light at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last week.
Plans for the 4551sqm site at 4 Richardson Street had been disputed for overdevelopment and inconsistency with neighbourhood character.
The proposal had council officer approval but community dissent sparked an online campaign and 17 formal objections.
Residents aired fears the move would set a precedent for the street that has two other similar undeveloped land parcels.
Strong community views played a part in Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s rejection of the application earlier this year in a 7-1 vote.
At the time, the application included 11 units, and councillors largely felt the proposal was inconsistent with planning policy and neighbourhood character.
They were also concerned the proposal would have an unreasonable burden on existing infrastructure of the area, including impacts on storm water and traffic.
However, VCAT member Katherine Paterson found the proposal was “an acceptable response to the provisions of the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme”.
“The township has grown faster than anticipated, there is a need for more additional housing to be provided within the township,” Paterson said.
“Whilst the proposal will introduce a number of dwellings into the streetscape, I find it does so in a sensitive manner and will be a comfortable fit within the streetscape, and one that I find that is generally consistent with the outcomes sought for this precinct and properties within the NRZ8.”
Paterson found there was “not a strong backyard character when balanced with the level of change anticipated for this area” and found the amenity impacts on neighbouring properties “not unreasonable”.
