Further Whitehorse Council delay for contested 1-7 Chapel St, Blackburn development

Council approval for proposed twin residential towers in Blackburn has been further delays as neighbours voice concerns about the controversial proposal.

An artist's impression of the proposed development at 1-7 Chapel St in Blackburn, from nearby Railway Rd. Picture: Supplied.

Whitehorse Council is dragging its feet on a controversial proposal — which has been in the pipeline for more than two years — to build two apartment towers in the heart of Blackburn which locals argue is “not appropriate”.

The plan to build two eight-storey towers, containing more than 170 apartments on 1-7 Chapel St, Blackburn, hit another roadblock last week as Whitehorse City councillors voted to have more time to consider the proposal.

According to the proposal, the towers would join the existing office building — replacing the carpark — with a residential garden space and underground carpark also in the plans.

The proposed development at 1-7 Chapel St, Blackburn as viewed from Whitehorse Rd. It will be built around an existing three-level office complex, previously home to Leader Community News. Picture: Supplied.

The site, which was the former home of Leader Community News, would be built next to the recently constructed Pace of Blackburn residential towers.

But Pace of Blackburn residents have opposed the application, claiming the proposed towers would sit “too close” to the existing buildings and block sunlight into the apartments and gardens.

David Forbes and his wife Sandy said the proposed development would look directly into their home.

“This is a Melbourne CBD condition,” Mrs Forbes said.

“It is not appropriate for Blackburn.

“It won’t be private and (less than three hours of sunlight) won’t sustain our garden.”

The site is the former home of Leader Newspapers. Picture: Supplied.

Whitehorse City Council will debate the development at its next council meeting. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Consultants ProUrban, on behalf of the developer, said the application had already gone through several revisions since it was submitted more than two and a half years ago.

Discussions on the planning application, which received more than thirty objections, will continue at the next council meeting on February 17.