The Housing and Neighbourhood Character project aims to preserve the unique character
of our neighbourhoods.
of our neighbourhoods.
IT’S only just gone out for public consultation but Bass Coast’s Housing and Neighbourhood Character project is already having an impact, being cited when the council refused a Ventnor planning application at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Council officers had recommended the council approve the application for two double-storey, five-bedroom dwellings at 30 Grossard Point Road despite 45 objections.
Cr David Rooks moved an alternative motion to refuse the permit. He said it did not sit with Ventnor's neighbourhood character, or the draft Bass Coast Housing Strategy, which recognises Ventnor as an area for minimal change. “Minimal change means subdivisions and multiple dwellings should be discouraged.”
Cr Rooks said he looked forward to a time when planning controls supported the idea of minimal change in particular areas. In the meantime, he said, if there was a VCAT appeal on the application, he hoped the tribunal would acknowledge the expert work done on the housing strategy and its expression of community desire.
| Cr Rochelle Halstead said communities were battling to save their townships from becoming an extension of metropolitan Melbourne and felt powerless to stop developments that were chipping away at the dwindling beauty that drew them to this location. “This community has expressed itself loud and clear. They do not want to see this development progress and it’s time to listen.” Councillors supported the motion to refuse the permit by five votes to three. The Housing and Neighbourhood Character project aims to preserve the unique character of our neighbourhoods in the face of projected massive residential growth in parts of Bass Coast. It includes:
As part of the consultation, you can enter your address to find out what’s proposed for your neighbourhood. Bass Coast Mayor Clare Le Serve says community involvement is crucial in creating vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods filled with character and driven by community aspirations. |  I entered my address in Policyscape and found I’m living in what’s labelled as a “Garden Residential Area” of Wonthaggi. The Neighbourhood Character Objectives are mostly based on residents’ desires to maintain the openness of the streetscape through front fences that allow views to dwellings and front garden areas, with private gardens that enhance the public realm. The design principles impressed me. I thought these were written by someone who had taken the time to walk around my neighbourhood and identify what worked and how it contributed to a sense of community. They encourage infill housing that responds to the neighbourhood, not in the way of replicas of the old mining cottages but contemporary designs that relate to the streetscape and sensitive interfaces. One objective is to ensure that cars, driveways and garages do not dominate, as they do in so many new estates. Three points in particular signal a change in council thinking:
My neighbourhood is in an older part of Wonthaggi, and any changes will be minimal. If you live in one of the newer neighbourhoods, how well does the study reflect your wishes? - Catherine Watson |
With the drafts out, the council planning team takes to the road next month for the second round of community consultation. Look out for the consultation van at:
You can also provide feedback on the council website.
- Wonthaggi, Friday, March 8 - Apex Park
- Corinella, Saturday, March 9 - Farmers Market
- Cowes, Saturday March 9, - Night Market
- Cape Paterson, Sunday, March 10 - Cape Paterson Community Hall
- Newhaven, Wednesday, March 13 - Graydens Reserve
- Inverloch, Saturday, March 16 - Inverloch Community Market
You can also provide feedback on the council website.