Brennan Development Group proposes 73 new homes for Golden Grove Estate in Bendigo

A developer wants to expand a Bendigo housing estate by 73 new homes by bulldozing native bushland for the “protection of human life”. See what’s planned.

A developer is seeking approval to expand a Bendigo housing estate into native bushland. Picture: Contributed.

A developer is seeking approval to bulldoze native bushland to expand a Bendigo housing estate by building 73 extra homes.

Brennan Development Group is asking Bendigo Council permission to subdivide a 7ha parcel of land on Evergreen Boulevard into 73 lots to make way for homes in the Golden Grove Estate in Jackass Flat.

The subdivided lots would range from 528sq m to 1150sq m, with most between 550 and 750sq m.

The site contains native vegetation which the developer is seeking permission to clear, including nine mature trees.

The eastern boundary of the housing estate borders Bendigo Regional Park Picture: Contributed.

The plan was previously approved with the native bushland in place, however changes to bushfire protection regulations has obliged the developer to clear it.

“No practical option exists for the retention of the majority of the vegetation,” a town planner stated in planning documents.

“Current bushfire protection policy prioritises the protection of human life above all other consideration.”

The developer states native vegetation protections relevant to the site was made “redundant” by bushfire management exemptions.

“Lots created at these densities will result in the removal of large areas of the vegetation to provide for the necessary defendable space areas around dwellings,” a town planner stated.

“It is no longer considered appropriate that canopy vegetation be retained within a residential settlement due to the increased risk profile.”

Brennan Development Group is planning 73 new lots to make way for homes in the Golden Grove Estate in Jackass Flat. Picture: Contributed.

The developer claims there would be “no net loss of biodiversity” by “retaining remnant vegetation where possible” and environmental impact offsets would be “secured”.

“Offsetting them will bring a greater benefit to the retention of biodiversity values.”

The planned staged subdivision is phase 8, 9 and 10 of the overall Golden Grove Estate, located about 3km from the Bendigo suburbs of Eaglehawk and Epsom.

The developer says it should be approved to address the ongoing housing crisis.

“The proposal will contribute to meeting demand for residential land within Bendigo by facilitating increased densities within under-utilised land in Bendigo,” a town planner stated.

The eastern boundary of the site borders Bendigo Regional Park, which the developer says would not be impacted due to a 24m setback.