Concerns Serpells Rd plans in Templestowe could forever alter neighbourhood
THE character of an area with a rich and ‘golden’ agricultural history could be forever changed, locals fear.
East
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AN AREA of Templestowe with an agricultural history that became known locally as “the Golden Mile” will be forever changed by development, a Manningham councillor has warned.
A controversial proposal to build a childcare centre in Serpells Rd prompted an emotional appeal from Heide Ward councillor Michelle Kleinert, who said more intensive uses of land would alter the neighbourhood character forever.
Councillors last week eventually voted 5-4 in favour of the plans, which would see a centre which caters to 146 children replace a family home on a low-density block on the corner of Serpells Rd and Wayamba Place.
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The project received 28 objections — relating primarily to traffic, neighbourhood character and overdevelopment — when it was advertised by the council in May.
The large block is in a part of Templestowe where land was once primarily used by orchardists.
“This part of Serpells Rd came to be known as the Golden Mile but no longer will it be known that way,” Cr Kleinert said.
“We need childcare centres but we also have to cater for our community and this area doesn’t have the infrastructure to support this development.”
Fellow Heide Ward councillor Geoff Gough also spoke against intense development. “Serpells Rd was originally built and sealed for orchardists to get in and out of town. These one-acre properties gave the area a bit of prestige,” he said.
Cr Paul McLeish said the proposed development would have a “similar look and feel” to a house and be set back from the street with a coverage of just 29 per cent.
“There is already an aged care and two primary schools in the area. We can’t abandon these projects on flimsy grounds,” he said.
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