Flooding, traffic jam fears for proposed Box Hill South development

FLOODING and traffic jams are the main concerns of objectors living near a 310-dwelling development given the go-ahead in Box Hill South.

Heavy traffic at Pacific Highway, Wyong town centre. Picture:Peter Clark

FLOODING and traffic jams are the main concerns of objectors living near a 310-dwelling development given the go-ahead in Box Hill South.

Whitehorse Council has approved the proposal for the former St Leo’s College site, adjacent to Wembley Park, but the decision could be reversed at next month’s meeting after councillor Philip Daw announced a recision motion.

About 60 objections were made to the development, which will see a mix of apartment buildings of up to seven storeys, houses, townhouses and a retirement village built on the 4.94ha site.

Neighbour Mary Whiting said the proposal would create a “traffic nightmare” for people living along Halsey and Jellicoe streets.

She said there were also concerns about flooding, with the site being part of the Gardiners Creek flood plain.

“In wet weather there’s a lot of water sitting on the surface there, so when that’s coming off roofs, gutters and roads, the run-off is going to be a whole lot quicker and put people’s homes at risk,” Ms Whiting said.

Councillor Helen Harris said the best result for the council and residents was to approve the development with strong conditions addressing the various concerns.

“There are ways to deal with the traffic issues later on,” Cr Harris said.

“We can always install various traffic measures if it becomes a problem.”

Cr Raylene Carr said the council needed to better address the traffic concerns due to the size of the development.

AT A GLANCE

■ Whitehorse Council has approved plans for a 310-dwelling development on the former St Leo’s College site in Box Hill South

■ The 4.9ha site will include apartment buildings of up to seven storeys

■ There were about 60 objections to the development, including concerns about an increase in traffic and possible flooding

■ Councillor Philip Daw said he would try to rescind the decision next month.