Eight three-storey townhouses approved for Manningham Rd, Bulleen

FOUR high-density developments has been approved for a 150m stretch of a busy Bulleen arterial road in just over a year, with the latest plans for eight three-storey townhouses sparking calls for more public transport to cater for the growing population.

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A COMMUNITY group is calling for more public transport in Bulleen after another high-density housing development was approved by Manningham Council.

The plans will see eight three-storey townhouses built on the corner of Manningham Rd and Robert St.

The proposed development at 29-31 Manningham Rd.

It is the fourth project to be approved in a 150m stretch of the arterial road since December 2016, when 15 townhouses were approved for three titles at 38, 40 and 42 Manningham Rd.

A four-storey apartment building was approved for 33-35 Manningham Rd in December, with plans for five townhouses at 28 Manningham Rd to be heard at VCAT later this year.

Against Overdevelopment in Bulleen spokesman Tony Iliou said the proposals were being approved without any consideration for future public transport needs.

“Transport is already laughable in Manningham Rd and they’re trying to turn it into Whitehorse Rd,” he said.

The Manningham Road Chiropractic Centre will make way for townhouses. Picture: James Ross

Whitehorse Rd is serviced by the 109 tram which connects with trains at Box Hill Central.

“Developers will look to maximise the potential of any block of land, I understand that. But as residents of the area we want a certain quality of living,” Mr Iliou said.

“They’re building a whole lot of units but they’re not looking 10-20 years into the future.”

Speaking to the proposal at a recent council meeting, Cr Geoff Gough said VicRoads had approved vehicle access to the site.

“Access to the site will be from Manningham Rd, so it won’t put pressure on traffic in (Robert St),” he said.

Manningham councillor Geoff Gough says VicRoads has approved vehicle access for the latest development on Manningham Rd.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the onus was on the council to get its planning right and ensure decisions reflected local planning schemes and community expectations.

Opposition Leader and Bulleen state Liberal MP Matthew Guy said improvements to the bus service were essential and more viable than adding a tram network.

“We’ve looked at trams in the past and buses are more efficient for getting into the city,” he said.