VCAT vetoed apartments at Downing St, Blackburn, approved by Whitehorse Council

THESE feisty neighbours in Melbourne’s east didn’t let an “overpowering” four-storey block just roll on into their street, spending almost $10,000 of their own money to overturn the plan in Blackburn.

A group of Downing St neighbours had a win against a proposed block of apartments.

A GROUP of Blackburn neighbours have spent almost $10,000 successfully keeping inappropriate development out of their street.

The state planning tribunal revoked a permit Whitehorse Council issued for an “overpowering” apartment block at 20 Downing St, after those living near the site pooled their resources together to appeal the council’s decision.

VCAT member Bill Sibonis earlier this month ruled the four-storey building’s design was “not site-responsive”.

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“The development has the appearance of ‘crowding’ the site and is asking too much of its dimensions and area,” he said.

Mr Sibonis said the structure, which would have contained 19 apartments plus basement levels, lacked “sufficient regard to the character of the area”.

A group of Downing St neighbours had a win against a proposed block of apartments.

He pointed out the proposed setbacks fell short of those required in the planning policies, meaning the building would be too close to the site’s boundary, forcing “an overpowering presence” on its neighbours.

Mr Sibonis said the Whitehorse Planning Scheme aimed to encourage multi-level developments, which would differ from existing houses in the Residential Growth Zone, but he emphasised new developments needed to respond to their surrounds “in a meaningful way”.

The plans for 20 Downing St, which the council approved on January 29, included removing all 19 trees on the site, and the applicant paying the council $25,000 to remove a neighbouring tree.

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Jo-Ann Lewis led the nine neighbours who took the case to the tribunal.

She said they were “absolutely thrilled” with the outcome.

“It’s one for the little ones,” she said.

Ms Lewis said they put just short of $10,000 towards the campaign, which was “worth it” to see common sense prevail.

Council acting general manager city development Kim Marriott said its decision followed a thorough assessment of the proposal, applicable overlays, referral comments, and concerns.