VCAT fear drives unit approval

By Melissa Meehan
CARDINIA Shire has “reluctantly” approved a proposal to build 41 single-storey houses in Hawk Avenue, Pakenham, saying VCAT would overturn their decision if they were to block the application.
While councillor Collin Ross moved a motion to refuse the application to develop 41 single-storey homes at the site, the majority of councillors voted to grant a permit worried they would waste ratepayer money if taken to VCAT.
Cr Ross said that many residents were concerned about the application that only included five visitor car spaces for the entire development.
Councillor Brett Owen said the proposal to build 41 units on the property in question was an “over-development for this set-up”.
“I think it’s totally out of character,” he said.
“And I do note the large number of objections, almost 40 received.”
Despite staunch opposition from the community, other councillors voted to allow the development on the motion of councillors Bill Pearson and Stuart Halligan.
“Council has received numerous objections but on the advice of our planning people, if it goes to VCAT it will be approved,” Cr Pearson said.
“And that means approved at 43 dwellings, not the 41 we have before us.”
Cr Pearson said that he didn’t feel comfortable blocking the proposal when it met planning requirements of the State Government and could risk wasting ratepayers’ money.
“I for one, reluctantly, think this is the way we have to go,” he said.
“I don’t like it, but commonsense says we have to let it through.”
Cr Pearson’s statement caused a stir between councillors Ross and Owen who both said that the council needed to look outside the box and act on behalf of residents rather than guessing what VCAT would do.
“We need to make a decision on what we think is best,” Cr Owen said.
“We were elected as councillors to make a decision that is best for our residents.
“At least we can say what we think is wrong.”
Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association president Gloria O’Connor slammed councillors for voting for the project.
“I agree with what councillor Owen said about councillors needing to make a decision based on the community – not what they predict VCAT will do,” she said.