A proposed housing development in Cowes has been squashed by council over environmental concerns

Bass Coast Council has squashed plans for a 16-lot subdivision after concerns were raised about the possible environmental impacts. Read the details.

A new housing development requires the filling in of a dam.

Bass Coast Council has shot down plans for a large block of rural land in Cowes to be turned into a 16-lot-housing development due to environmental concerns.

The planning application to develop the 1.391ha plot of land on Cowes-Rhyll Rd into a housing development was brought before council on Wednesday.

The controversial development would have required the removal of a dam on the property, which attracted opposition from some locals.

Council received 11 objections to the plans, though a council report shows that an “extensive investigation has occurred, and Council officers are satisfied that the dam is not an underground spring”.

“The dam does not manage water flow through the property. The site does not form any part of a wetland. Council engineers are satisfied following the investigation undertaken and the design to the retaining basin that stormwater management can be adequately addressed.”

However councillor Ron Bauer shared community concerns when he voted against granting approval for the project.

“We pride ourselves on our natural beauty,” he said. “This wetland is home to swans, purple hens, frogs and trout. This wetland must be saved.”

The original application also proposed the removal of 78 trees from the area, which councillors Brett Tessari and Clare Le Serve raised concerns about.

“It is contrary to our climate change plans and needs more of a sensitive environmental approach,” Cr Le Serve said.

The trees and shrubs listed on the application had grown from seeds of formerly planted trees and shrubs. Most of the trees and shrubs are exotic species not native to the area.

Council has voted not to grant a permit which would have seen a large block of rural land in Cowes be turned into a housing development.

Yet nine patches of native vegetation with a total area of 0.330 hectares and three small, scattered trees were slated for removal as part of the plans.

Council officers did request an amendment to the plan so only 70 of the proposed 78 trees would be removed.

However, it wasn’t enough to convince councillors to grant the permit.

The proposal included 16 lots of land for housing in varying sizes and shapes, vehicle access from Redwood Drive and pedestrian access off Cowes-Rhyll Rd and Saraghi Place.